Ella Porter’s multidisciplinary practice draws on her background in painting, printmaking and ceramics. Her works reveal a sensitive dialogue between surface and form, where subtle marks, impressions and interventions capture both conscious and unconscious moments of touch. Each piece feels as though something is being uncovered or revealed, rather than simply made. Fascinating fragments of found ceramic have been carefully selected by Ella from her extensive archive to sit alongside the new pieces, adding to the sense of an appreciation of an ancient tradition.
Among the highlights are her evocative Soul Houses. These have been inspired by ancient Egyptian burial objects created to sustain the spirit of the dead. The burnt colours of the vessels have been beautifully contrasted with transparant glass beads, finely threaded into light-filled enclosures of amber or clear glass. The effect of the two contrasting materials upon each other is mesmeric.
Sitting alongside these are her Pipe Collections, 2024, intricate works reflecting the overlooked edges of the city and the fragments discovered there. Ella's use of Terracotta and white slip is presented in a number of memorable pieces including Gardens of the past and Cities of the Future II, 2023 and Grid Brick, 2025. The Copper lustre on glazed stoneware in "Rising Tide, 2024 and Brick Net, 2026 are quite simply, delicious. On the way out of the space we spotted After the Longest Night, 2026 created using a full range of her materials: stoneware, porcelain, glass, thread and fragments - a real triumph.
Traces and Threads closes on 28 August. Holt is where you have to be to see this body of work and if you haven't already done so, discover Ella Porter’s remarkable work for youself. Photographs don't really do justice to the surfaces she creates. You can only experience the many beautiful and quietly compelling pieces in the exhibition, which has been expertly organised and hosted by Catherine Austin-Fell.
Anthony Fell Antiques
6 Old Stable Yard
Holt, North Norfolk
NR25 6BN
View more of Ella Porter's recent work by clicking on the link below – it is a commissioned collection made for C&C's online showroom we displayed last year in the second of our opening season's viewing rooms (02).
These works employ many of the same techniques as in the Holt show. Glazes created from muds lifted from the salt marshes of North Norfolk have given this collection a particular locational relevance for collectors wanting particular authenticity in their materials.
VIEW THE SALT MARSH COLLECTION
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About the author
Paul Vater
PAUL VATER
Paul conducts studio visits to maintain strong relationships with artists, designers and craftspeople who show their work with us. He manages the main C&C website and has developed the online shop where selected works are presented for sale.
Paul established his design company, Sugarfree, in 1990 and quickly gained a reputation for delivering fresh, effective marketing campaigns and brand identities for clients including Save the Children Fund, United Nations Association and UNHCR. Over the years those added to the roster include IPC Magazines, Arts Council England, The Roundhouse, Barbican Centre, Arts Marketing Association, Look Ahead Housing and Care, Paddington Waterside, BBC Worldwide, Commonwealth Foundation, Prestel, City of London Corporation, Baker Street Quarter, Victoria BID and the University of East Anglia.