Frequently Asked Questions

Every piece is handmade by me in my home pottery studio in Carrbridge, within the Cairngorms National Park in the Scottish Highlands. I work in small batches, surrounded by the landscape that has become such an important influence on my ceramics.

Yes. Every piece of Kim Plimley Ceramics is handmade in my studio, predominantly using the potter's wheel. Because each piece is individually made rather than mass produced, you can expect subtle variations in form, glaze and surface from one piece to another.

Most pieces begin on the potter's wheel. Once thrown, they're allowed to dry before being trimmed and, depending on the collection, carved, decorated or altered by hand. The work is then bisque fired, glazed and fired again to create the finished surface.

The process varies between collections, with contrasting matte and gloss glazes, areas of exposed clay, carved lines and more organic glaze surfaces all forming part of my work.

Small variations are a natural part of making ceramics by hand and something I particularly value. Even pieces made together using the same clay and glaze can emerge from the kiln slightly differently.

The shape, markings and glaze surface of your piece may therefore vary slightly from the photographs online. Rather than seeing these differences as imperfections, I think they're part of what makes handmade pottery interesting. No two pieces are ever quite the same.

My functional ceramics are dishwasher safe, although I recommend gentle hand washing where possible to help keep your pottery looking its best.

I don't currently recommend using my ceramics in the microwave.

I work primarily with stoneware clay, using black, white and warm, sandy clay bodies alongside a restrained palette of white, black and muted green glazes.

Surface and texture are central to my work, from areas of exposed clay and carved markings to contrasting matte, gloss and more organic glaze finishes.

My collections are rooted in Scotland's landscapes and my own relationship with place. Mountains, woodland, coastline, lichen, birch, seagrass and other details noticed while walking through the landscape have all found their way into my work.

Rather than reproducing a landscape literally, I'm interested in translating its colours, textures and forms, as well as the feelings and memories associated with a place, through clay and glaze.

Explore my Collections

Yes. I work with independent shops and galleries across Scotland and welcome enquiries from retailers interested in stocking Kim Plimley Ceramics.

For current trade information and details of how to order, please get in touch via email at hello@kimplimley.com.

If you think my work would be a good fit for your shop or gallery, I'd love to hear from you.

Please get in touch via email for current trade information.

hello@kimplimley.com

Yes. I'm always interested in hearing about thoughtful projects where my ceramics might be a good fit, from bespoke tableware and pieces for interiors to hospitality and other creative collaborations.

If you have a project in mind, please get in touch with some information about the space, quantities, timescale and what you're looking for.

My ceramics are available through my online shop and a growing collection of independent shops and galleries across Scotland.

If you'd prefer to see and handle the work in person, you can find your nearest retailer on my Stockists page.

My ceramics are handmade in small batches, so the online shop isn't continuously stocked with every piece and collection.

Subscribers to my mailing list are always the first to hear about new shop updates and releases, before I announce them on social media.

Join my mailing list

Yes. You're very welcome to arrange a visit to my home pottery studio in Carrbridge to see where the work is made and experience the different forms, textures and glazes in person.

Studio visits are by appointment, so please get in touch before travelling to arrange a suitable time.

I don't currently take individual commissions or requests for variations of existing pieces.

I am, however, very interested in larger bespoke projects, including tableware, pieces for interiors and commercial or creative collaborations. If you have a project in mind, please get in touch with a little information about what you're looking for.

Absolutely. Each piece is carefully wrapped in acid free white tissue paper and packaged with a Kim Plimley Ceramics card.

If you're not sure which piece to choose, digital gift cards are also available and can be used towards purchases from my online shop.

View digital gift vouchers

In-stock pieces are usually dispatched within 3 to 5 working days, while made to order ceramics may have a longer lead time. Please see Shipping & Returns for current delivery information before ordering.

Yes. If something isn't quite right, returns are accepted subject to the conditions set out on my Shipping & Returns page.