They’ve got pots.
They’ve got mugs.
They’ve got makers.
They’ve even got ceramic ducks.
What they don’t have is mass-produced tat.
Join them at Norwich Ceramics Market for a day celebrating independent makers and seriously good clay. Amazing original artwork by the super talented @artichokat
Meet Nicole Flack: Shaking Up Norwich’s Ceramics Scene, One Mug at a Time
Nicole Flack, creator of the brand-new Norwich Ceramics Market, is on a mission: to bring cool, handmade pottery out of the stuffy gallery and into the hands of everyone in Norwich. Originally born in London, Nicole moved to Norfolk with her family as a child — and her roots here run deep, along with her passion for making ceramics accessible, fun, and full of personality.
In the underground indie ceramics scene, Nicole is already well-known as the founder of the hugely popular Norwich Makers Market, a celebration of indie makers and small businesses that’s earned a loyal following. But Nicole isn’t just a champion of other creatives — she’s a ceramic artist herself, crafting quirky, dinosaur-inspired clay pieces under the name Cretaceous Creations (find her on Instagram here). Her signature Pliosaur mugs have even become a cult collectors’ item among pottery fans.
“I wanted to shake off the idea that ceramics are delicate or intimidating,” Nicole says. “Pottery should be playful, punk, and part of everyday life — and Norwich is the perfect place to share that with people.”
If you’ve noticed more people hunting for handmade mugs and dinosaur pots lately, you’re not alone. The surge in popularity has a lot to do with the hit TV show The Great Pottery Throw Down, which turned the humble pottery wheel into must-watch TV — and inspired thousands to get their hands muddy too. Meanwhile, shoppers are turning away from mass-produced homeware in favour of small-batch, local, and handmade.
Nicole’s new project is all about championing this movement. Through the Homegrown Pottery Society — her tongue-in-cheek name for the community of makers she’s gathered — she’s shining a light on the side of pottery you won’t find in big stores: indie, imaginative, and proudly local. Expect mugs, bowls, plates and pots alongside dinosaurs, mythical beasts, and playful clay creations you’ll want to take home.
“I love that Norwich already has such a thriving indie ceramics community,” Nicole says. “There’s so much talent here, but not always enough spaces for makers to reach new people. This market is about giving them that chance — and helping more people find something unique to treasure.”
Applications open : apply here.