New awards to be launched at Ceramic Art London
A selection of awards will be announced at this years acclaimed Ceramic Art London fair. Now in its 22nd year, it returns to Olympia West Hall from Friday 8 – Sunday 10 May 2026, (with a private view by invitation only, on Thursday 7 May).
Hugely respected in the contemporary ceramics world, and always oversubscribed, Ceramic Art London is Europe’s leading showcase for makers to sell their work and attracts makers from all corners of the globe.
Launching at CAL, will be The Eileen Lewenstein Prize. This new award celebrates excellence in critical writing about ceramics and is supported by State Ceramics. Named after the first co-founding editor of Ceramic Review and the Craftsmen Potters Association (now Craft Potters Association), Eileen Lewenstein was a trailblazing writer, lecturer, potter and photographer with a strong interest in socialist politics.
New awards this year, which will be announced at the preview on the evening of Thursday 7 May include CAL Outstanding Exhibitor 2026, which is the highest award presented at the fair, recognising an exhibitor whose work demonstrates exceptional quality, vision and impact. CAL Newcomer 2026 will be awarded to a first-time exhibitor whose work stands out for its quality, clarity and promise, while CAL International Exhibitor 2026 recognises an outstanding exhibitor based outside the UK, and will celebrate the global reach and diversity of Ceramic Art London.
These awards will be complemented by CAL People’s Choice 2026 which is voted for by visitors to the fair and reflects the work that most resonates with the public audience. The winner will be announced following the fair as part of the post-event programme. Now in its 11th year, is the Emmanuel Cooper Prize. This major acquisition award recognises a maker whose work makes a significant contribution to contemporary ceramics. In 2026, the winning work will enter the collection of Pallant House Gallery in Chichester. The prize is awarded by the Craft Pottery Charitable Trust, an independent charity established in 1991 to support education and development in ceramics across the UK. Previous recipients include Matt Horne, whose piece was chosen in 2025 to go into the collection of Ulster Museum.
As Simon Harrison, Fair Director, explains: “The CAL Awards recognise outstanding work presented at Ceramic Art London, celebrating makers whose practice demonstrates exceptional skill, originality and presence. Selected by a panel of invited judges, the awards highlight the breadth and vitality of contemporary ceramics today – from emerging voices to established international practitioners. Award-winning work can be identified throughout the fair.”
Ceramic Art London
Olympia West Hall, London May 8-10th 2026
LINK: https://www.ceramicartlondon.com