MUDTHING-EN

MUDTHING

Hand-thrown ceramics, split-front aprons and studio tools for potters, crafted in Barcelona.

I want to make things that feel good, work beautifully and stay with you over time.
— Emma Darby, potter & founder

Linen split-front apron
Most aprons are made for standing, ours are made for potters that sit and move.

A Mediterranean-inspired apron, tailored with a split that lets you move freely. It’s so lightweight you’ll barely notice you’re wearing it. Our signature split-skirt aprons are a game-changer for any wheel potter or maker looking for freedom of movement without sacrificing coverage. Gorgeous workwear that will allow you to sit, squat, straddle, or even pirouette on the job, and stay clean!

Designed by a potter · Made in Barcelona

70€

SHOP LINEN APRONS

Such beautiful quality fabric and so well made. I’m so pleased I went with the sage colour, such a lovely shade of green. Thank-you so much, so, so thrilled!
— Elizabeth Gorringe, potter. UK

This is the second Mudthing apron I have bought. I have already had the denim version for a number of years and it is one of my all time favourites to use: comfortable and well designed. It was an easy decision to buy another, this time in sage green linen.
— Juliet Macleod, potter. UK

Denim split-front apron
Most aprons are designed for standing, ours are designed for throwing.

This is our original longer-length apron, made in hardwearing denim to protect your clothes from heavier splashes and spills. Our signature split-skirt gives you far more flexibility than a standard apron. If throwing at the wheel, you can sit legs akimbo and get up to all kinds of creative mischief without getting dirty. For artists and makers who need extra protection without restriction. Once you’ve tried one of our aprons, you won’t want anything else.

Designed by a potter · Made in Barcelona

70€

SHOP DENIM APRONS

I’ve been using my Mudthing apron for a few weeks now and I absolutely love it. It’s made from super soft fabric and is adjustable to give a comfortable fit. I’ve washed it a couple of times already and it’s still looking great. Highly recommend
— Kathryn Sherriff, potter. UK

I’ve been wearing this apron for a few weeks and it has been great. I love the fit and how long it is, it protects my clothes and it is very well made.
— Inês Soares, potter. Portugal

Brass throwing ribs
Beautiful ribs that won’t rust.

I was over the moon when I received a beautiful large brass rib for Christmas. Unfortunately, it was bulky and unmanageable, clearly made for much bigger hands, so I decided to design some tools of my own.

The small kidney fits comfortably in your hand. Use its thin edge to remove excess clay, refine the curves of bowls and compress the surface of plates. The rectangle rib is great for compressing and sharpening up cylinders. Best of all, they won’t rust. Why have boring steel or aluminium when you can have these golden beauties?

Designed by a potter · Made in Barcelona

30€

SHOP BRASS RIBS

These ribs are super functional, sturdy (a bit more then your average metal ones) but most of all; the most handsome pair I’ve ever seen. And they will not rust. So hope they will stay a lifetime. Love them.
— Martine Somsen, potter. Netherlands

These tools are my favourite!! Just the right size, flexibility, and fits perfectly in my hand. These ribs complete my toolbox as a potter.
— Astrid De Deyen, potter. Belgium

Boxwood throwing ribs
Boxwood is a hardwearing, fine-grained wood, and the species that we use for our tools is native to the Mediterranean and especially suitable for use in a wet medium like clay. Rather than removing excess clay or slip, wooden ribs are well suited to gently cajole your pot into shape.

Designed by a potter · Made in Catalonia

30€

SHOP BOXWOOD RIBS

Beautifully crafted, with a lovely shape and feel. I can’t wait to put them to good use.
— Maya Venkova, potter. Spain

Very happy about my purchase. The wood and finish is beautiful. Very pleasant to work with.
— Sharleen Spangler, potter. UK

Pottery tool roll
A simple, portable home for your pottery tools.

I had a tool roll similar to this one when I first started out with ceramics in Barcelona. I loved having all my tools together in an easy-to-stow, portable package. Over the years, it drew the attention of other potters, so I decided to make my own improved version.

Eight pockets keep your tools together and make it easy to carry them from one place to another, or keep them safe in a shared studio.

Designed by a potter · Made in Barcelona

35€

SHOP TOOL ROLL

This tool roll is perfect. I am delighted with the weight of the cotton canvas and the hand craftsmanship is excellent. I am delighted to support product designed in-house and sewn in Barcelona.
— Deborah McCarthy, potter. Canada

I ordered 2 of these, one for myself and one for my daughter. they are really well made and the size is just right, it fits all my favorite tools in including the stunning set of brass ribs from you.
— Eunice Locher, potter. UK

My ceramics for your home

I make ceramics to bring more beauty and pleasure to everyday life. There are pieces for quiet moments, for generous tables shared with friends, and pieces that simply bring a little softness to your living space. Who says everything has to match? Build your own collection slowly, mixing the things you love along the way.

Each piece is made by hand in my studio in Barcelona, so no two are quite alike.

RAW collection
Quiet, tactile and earthy, the RAW collection draws on the colours and textures of the Mediterranean. I’ve developed a glaze that creates a restrained palette, from soft, iron-flecked white to warm, mottled beige. RAW is made for everyday use, bringing together simple forms, honest materials and the pleasure of things made by hand.

EXPLORE THE COLLECTION

Big bowls
I’ve made these large but gentle bowls for slow, generous living. Fill with seasonal fruit, a sumptuous salad to share with friends and family, or simply leave quietly on a table where it can be admired and touched.

Satin glazes developed exclusively in my studio are layered in soft, muted tones across the surface. I leave the throwing lines visible, a trace of my hands in each bowl. At the foot, the deep red clay is left exposed.

Each bowl has its own shape and finish, and is made to be noticed.

from 220€

EXPLORE BIG BOWLS

Social responsibility & sustainability

When you buy from my studio, you’re supporting more than a product. You’re helping sustain my creative practice and the small network of artisans and socially responsible initiatives I work with in and around Barcelona.

The small batch aprons and tool rolls are exquisitely sewn by a studio that’s committed to social inclusion. Run by women and employing women, this studio provides vulnerable groups with professional training, followed by a three-year contract to work on its in-house production line. When you buy one of these items, you’re also contributing to an ethical initiative that actively puts people’s wellbeing first.

I’ve chosen brass for our metal ribs not just because I love the way it looks, but because it can be recycled and reused again and again.

Things made with care are things made to be kept.

Mud Think Tank Films

A series of short film capsules in which the ceramicist Emma Darby and filmmaker Guillermo Asensio work side by side exploring concepts that arise from the act of creating in clay. A homage to the city of Barcelona and to the unlikely beauty of the urban world.

More inspirational films at the The Silly Box

Contact

Emma Darby emma@mudthing.com
Follow us on Instagram @mudthing