New writing prize championing critical voices in ceramics launched as British Ceramics Biennial marks its 10th edition.
British Ceramics Biennial (BCB) has partnered with Ceramic Review and State Ceramics for the Eileen Lewenstein Prize – a new award recognising excellence in critical writing about ceramics and clay art. The prize arrives at a significant moment: BCB 2027 will mark the organisation’s 10th Biennial, and the commission offered to the winner will form part of that landmark programme.
The Eileen Lewenstein Prize for Critical Writing includes:
- Winner receives £4,000 cash prize
- Additional paid commission from British Ceramics Biennial for BCB 2027
- Publication in Ceramic Review
- Mentoring support
- Winner announced at Ceramic Art London 2027
- Two runners-up receive £500
Now open for applications, the prize is enabled by the generous support of State Ceramics, working in collaboration with the Craft Potters Association (CPA), Ceramic Review and British Ceramics Biennial. In addition to the £4,000 prize and paid commission from BCB, the winner will receive publication in Ceramic Review and a year of mentoring. Two runners-up will each receive £500. Winners will be announced at Ceramic Art London, May 2027.
Applications are free and can be submitted via the Ceramic Review website.
Closing date: 28 February 2027
Shortlisting: March 2027
Announcement: May 2027 at Ceramic Art London
The prize is aimed at early-stage scholars based in the UK, including postgraduate students, early-career researchers, and museum or collection curators with limited prior publication. Entries will be reviewed by a panel of five judges drawn from across the ceramics and publishing sectors, including representatives from partner organisations and independent voices.
Honouring one of the most significant figures in British ceramics, the prize takes its name from the co-founder and co-editor of Ceramic Review, first published in 1970, who, alongside Emmanuel Cooper, proposed an outward-facing public journal to promote and develop the wider interest in studio pottery and ceramic art. A founding member and former chairperson of the Craft Potters Association, Lewenstein was also a prolific potter, writer, lecturer and photographer, appointed MBE in 1999 for her contributions to the arts. She co-edited Ceramic Review until 1997, and her work is held in numerous public collections, including the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Clare Wood, Artistic Director & Chief Executive, British Ceramics Biennial, said:
“We’re proud to support The Eileen Lewenstein Prize. Critical writing is an under-examined and under-resourced aspect of the ceramics field. The prize provides meaningful investment in the voices that shape how ceramics are understood and valued by the next generation.”
Peter Alcaraz, State Ceramics, adds:
“It’s time for a radical shake up in ceramics discourse, for broader critical theories and apparatus, and free and fearless conversations, not merely to keep pace with makers but to create narratives and lead. As well as inspiring and nurturing new talent, we hope this prize will encourage existing thinkers, writers and academics to step into the public spotlight for the benefit of all. It brings together two vital institutions and a judging panel that includes an arts editor at The Financial Times who was a recent Booker Prize judge, and Abi Shapiro, Curator at The Hepworth Wakefield.”
Simon Harrison, Craft Potters Association (CPA), said:
“Eileen Lewenstein played a pivotal role in advancing the understanding and appreciation of ceramics through scholarship, research and writing. We are delighted that this prize honours her legacy by supporting new voices and encouraging the critical conversations that help ceramics continue to flourish as an art form.”
The Eileen Lewenstein Prize is enabled by the generous support of State Ceramics, working in collaboration with the Craft Potters Association (CPA), Ceramic Review and British Ceramics Biennial.
For Press enquiries, please contact Kate Royle, Communications & Audiences Manager – kate@britishceramicsbiennial.com. Tel: 0776 129 6362.