Lindy Barletta: a life shaped by clay
What began as a love of pottery has become a flourishing artistic career, with her work shown at the Royal Academy. Potter and designer Lindy Barletta creates pieces for interiors around the world – while keeping her roots firmly local
Lindy Barletta’s passion for ceramics began at school, where her art teacher was a potter — and Picasso was still creating his iconic ceramics. She went on to study Textile Design at Hereford College of Art, later building two successful London careers in management and interior design. But at 40, she decided to try her hand at pottery, joining a class at St Paul’s Boys’ School. The art master, David Wakefield — himself a highly regarded potter — opened the studio to locals, and Lindy was instantly hooked.
A residential course in North Wales with David and Margaret Frith, revered makers in both the UK and Japan, cemented her new direction. Driving home down the motorway with a car full of freshly fired pots, she knew: she was going to be a potter. Soon after, she set up a studio at Sheen Stables, bought a kiln, a wheel, and five glazes. When the first rent invoice arrived, reality set in — so Lindy began offering pottery classes to friends. Teaching provided a steady income, while she sold her jugs, mugs and bowls at craft fairs and open studios.
Today, Lindy creates striking ceramic pieces for art consultants and interior designers — from large lamp bases for superyachts to vibrant wall installations for a city boardroom and a hotel foyer in Marrakesh. Yet she still finds joy in the calm, meditative process of throwing pots for the home and table. A career highlight came in 2023 when her work was selected for the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, curated by Grayson Perry.
Picasso remains an influence, as do Japanese ceramics, particularly in the generous, rounded, and tactile forms of her work. This year, Lindy opened her new, larger studio at 134 Upper Richmond Road West. The space, fronted by Once Gallery, houses three workshops and welcomes visitors Wednesday to Saturday — or by appointment at other times.
Find out about other local lives here.