Clay Researcher

Claire Baily is a London-based artist, researcher and educator whose work explores the intersections of art, sustainability and material innovation. Her research focuses on materiality in creative practice. She is currently pursuing a practice-based PhD at the University of Gloucestershire. As the BCB Clay Researcher, she is leading a 19-month research initiative in partnership with BCB and HS2. This initiative will explore the creative re-use of clay extracted from UK construction spoil. This project looks at the opportunities and challenges of transforming this waste material into a scalable, sustainable resource evaluating the potential implications and environmental impact this may have. The findings will culminate in a public conference during the 2025 Biennial, featuring a cross-disciplinary panel of key speakers.  

For the past decade, Claire has been as a Sculpture Tutor at Goldsmiths College and University of London. As an active member of the Centre of Art & Ecology, she contributes to broader conversations about the role of art in ecological resistance. Claire is also part of Artangel’s Making Time programme for 2025, supporting artists to embed environmental consciousness in their practice. This programme, in partnership with Science Gallery at Kings College London, Radar at Loughborough University, Warwick Institute of Engagement at University of Warwick and Stanley Picker Gallery at Kingston University, emphasises the importance of interdisciplinary knowledge and fosters collaboration between artists, scientists and researchers.