Immersed in the world of design at a young age, Jeremy’s earliest memories were watching his mother work in her interior design showroom in Wellington. As years passed, the family business lent him a more active role, until his departure for Great Britain in 1989.
In 2004, a visit to London’s Tate Modern carved the course of his career. Jeremy had glanced through a book, seen the image of a near translucent ceramic vessel, and was instantly inspired to explore the relationship between ceramics and light.
The following day, he set out to understand and work with Bone china. Two months later he produced his first piece, the now iconic Aloe Blossom – and was invited to exhibit in Frankfurt. Predominantly self-taught, Jeremy has been courted by design companies such as Royal Copenhagen and Swarovski, but chose the path of the artisan.
His philosophy rests on three points: Beauty, Elegance and Craftsmanship. Control over quality and production led to a ceramic studio in London. Creative triumphs offset ‘mad’ experimentation, and recognition of his brilliance grew worldwide. In 2008 growing demand saw his studio move to the homeland of the ceramic industry, ‘The Potteries’ or Stoke on Trent, and since then he has moved back to his homeland, New Zealand.
Today, his flora-inspired collections are appreciated the world over – not only admired for their contemporary style and timeless beauty, but also for the care and skill each handmade piece entails. Embracing traditional methods of production with his own modern flair, Jeremy is proud to employ some of the world’s most skilled ceramicists.
Recognised by the London Chamber of Commerce as one of the UK’s leading manufacturers, Jeremy’s work has been displayed in museums, and is included in prestigious interiors and architectural projects internationally. Fashion and jewellery houses, such as Bulgari and Franck Muller, also seek out his unique light-forms.
Jeremy Cole’s singular style is an expression of his homeland, New Zealand, and its distinctive and stunning flora. Light is gently captured in the glowing ceramic plant forms. What are also captured – and most evident – are exquisite craftsmanship, elegance and beauty.
Pieces include the dramatic “White Flax”, consisting of 350 handcrafted ceramic leaves, specifically arranged for even light distribution that pushes the limits of its medium and craftsmanship, and the beautiful “Cymbidium Chandelier” made from eight up lit porcelain cymbidium stems.
