Expressions in Blue: Monumental Porcelain by Felicity Aylieff

Expressions in Blue continues Petworth’s rich history of collaboration with contemporary artists. Renowned ceramicist Felicity Aylieff has created several new pieces, revealed for the first time. Highly decorative floral fencai‑enamelled vessels take their inspiration from intricate wood carvings by Grinling Gibbons, while other sculptures draw on Petworth’s magnificent collection of 17th‑century Chinese porcelain.

Occupying several rooms throughout the mansion, highlights include the Marble Hall, where visitors are able to walk around and through a ‘forest’ of huge blue and white pots, painted in cobalt blue glazes with brushstrokes full of movement. Climbing Petworth’s Grand Staircase, they can look down on another monolithic work, whilst outside two soaring obelisks stand between the house and the Upper Pond.

In the exhibition gallery, film and photographs reveal the remarkable ‘making’ process and its sheer physicality. A selection of Aylieff’s fascinating mark-making tools are displayed, including giant horsehair brushes used to whip around the vessels to create energetic flicks and splashes.