Illyria Pottery, Katie Coston’s pottery shop, opened in Oxford in 2013. The beautifully displayed ceramics are all handmade by Katie in her studio below the shop. She chose the name, Illyria, after the ancient province on the Balkan Peninsula. Katie responded to the lyrical quality and motion of the word, Illyria, and to the classical Greek and Shakespearean references. Katie and her husband, Micah designed the shop, and they used reclaimed materials to renovate the space. Katie’s ceramics include jewelry, functional and decorative objects, and wall installations. Her Tree Bowls, Barnacle Walls, and Speckled Bowls are some of the most sought after pieces. Illyria Pottery also sells a selection of handmade soaps, wooden spoons, and stationery. Katie occasionally teaches pottery courses, and has an internship programme at the shop. The Shopkeeper Katie Coston opened Illyria Pottery because she wanted to retain control over how her art, from initial concept through to display, is presented to potential buyers. Katie loves the permanent displays a shop space offers, which enable her to show how her pottery translates into people’s lives. Prior to opening Illyria Pottery, Katie taught ceramics at university. She has always been interested in natural objects and textures, and incorporates […]
