Wally Birds By Peter Meanley

We’re delighted to announce a stunning new addition to the gallery — a salt-glazed, multi-coloured Wally Bird's, inspired by the iconic works of the Martin Brothers.

These remarkable piece's are the latest creations by Peter Meanley, a master ceramicist renowned for blending sculptural artistry with functional design.

Full of character and intricate detail, the Wally Bird,s capture Peter’s distinctive style — where sculpture meets utility. True to tradition, the birds feature a removable head, revealing the hidden function as a working jar.

True collector’s piece's, these works exemplify Peter Meanley’s craftsmanship, creativity, and playful spirit.

About the Artist

Peter Meanley is one of Northern Ireland’s foremost ceramicists, having won international acclaim for his abstract spouted pouring vessels and his mastery of the salt-glazing technique.

Formerly Head of Ceramics at the University of Ulster in Belfast, Peter was awarded a PhD in 1999 for his research into salt glazing — a process that involves throwing salt into a kiln while it is fired at high temperature. The result is a distinctive, ‘orange-peel’ pitted surface that has become a hallmark of his work.

Peter’s early career was marked by his strikingly engineered teapots and other functional forms. Over time, his focus evolved — driven by an enduring curiosity about form, function, and the possibilities of clay. This exploration led him to create innovative vessels designed to contain and pour liquid, culminating in his celebrated spouted pouring vessels and puzzle jugs.