A CELEBRATED Cumbrian potter is one of four leading UK ceramicists whose work is being showcased in a new exhibition in Cockermouth.

Jim Malone’s work will be showcased in a new exhibition at Cockermouth’s Castlegate House Gallery which begins on Saturday July 3.

The gallery, named by The Times this year as one of the country’s top ten commercial galleries usually sees the likes of David Hockney, Sheila Fell, Winifred Nicholson, and Norman Cornish on its walls, with their collection of studio and contemporary ceramics – including works by Grayson Perry - taking secondary spots within their art exhibitions.

The exhibition, ‘Four Artists, Three Dimensions’, brings together work by three “masters of their discipline” and one artist “producing early-career work far in advance of his years.”

Jim his hailed as one of the country’s most celebrated and collected potters at work. He uses a self-built, wood fired kiln in the authentic traditions of British pottery all from his studio near Wigton.

Jim attended the Camberwell School of Art, London from 1972 to 1976.

During this period, he spent time on placement working with Ray Finch at the legendary and important Winchcombe Pottery, in Gloucestershire.

He held positions at Camberwell, Wrexham School of Art and until 1990, at Cumbria College of Art, Carlisle.

He will be joined by sculptor Jason Wason ceramic artist Colin Pearson, and up-and-coming bronze artist David Hochhauser.

Steve Swallow, co-owner of the gallery with wife Christine said: “Jim Malone is without doubt one of the most respected and acclaimed studio potters not just within the UK, but worldwide.

“The fact that he lives and produces his work right here in Cumbria is a massive bonus. From his rural studio not far from Wigton, Jim produces exquisite examples of pottery in the tradition of the past greats such as Bernard Leach.”

He said: “Anyone who visits Castlegate House cannot fail to have realised that alongside our passion for contemporary and 20th century British art, we have a passion for studio and contemporary ceramics.

“This exhibition continues our ethos of exhibiting artists at the peak of their careers and disciplines whilst also supporting and showcasing new young talent at the start of their journey, something we’re passionate about.”

‘Four Artists, Three Dimensions’ runs from July 3 to July 24. The gallery is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

The works can be viewed online and the exhibition catalogue viewed at www.castlegatehouse.co.uk/exhibitions