Ceramic Art London returned to Olympia West this week with a renewed focus on excellence, innovation and international talent. As part of the 2026 edition, the fair introduced a new suite of awards designed to highlight the breadth and vitality of contemporary ceramics, recognising both established practitioners and emerging voices.
Among the standout moments of the evening preview on 7 May was the announcement of the CAL Outstanding Exhibitor, CAL Newcomer, CAL International Exhibitor, and the People’s Choice Award, alongside the long‑established Emmanuel Cooper Prize, one of the UK’s most respected accolades in studio ceramics. These awards were judged by an invited panel and reflect the fair’s commitment to celebrating originality, craftsmanship and artistic impact.
This year also marked the launch of the Eileen Lewenstein Prize, honouring excellence in critical writing about ceramics and named after the pioneering co‑founder of Ceramic Review and the Craft Potters Association. The prize underscores the fair’s recognition that writing, research and discourse are essential to the evolution of the field.
A notable highlight for the London ceramics community was the recognition of London Potters member Olga Siruk, whose biomorphic, hand‑built sculptures—shaped by cultural folklore and Russian tradition—drew significant attention from visitors and judges alike. Her work, presented at CAL for the first time, stood out among the newcomers for its expressive forms and narrative depth, contributing to the strong presence of London Potters members at this year’s fair.
With more than 120 exhibitors from 20 countries, Ceramic Art London continues to be one of Europe’s leading showcases for contemporary ceramics, offering a platform where makers, collectors and curators converge to celebrate the evolving language of clay