Undergrowth is on view at County Hall Pottery, London
January 13 – March 8, 2026
County Hall Pottery is pleased to announce Undergrowth, a group exhibition exploring the rich metaphorical and material potential of the ecological layer that exists beneath taller plants and trees. Bringing together ceramic and metal works in a tactile, multi-dimensional installation, the exhibition considers undergrowth as both a biological system and a metaphor for the hidden forces that quietly shape our world.
In ecological terms, undergrowth is vital to biodiversity: it provides shelter and nourishment for wildlife and plays a crucial role in decomposition and nutrient recycling. Metaphorically, it represents the often overlooked strata of existence – ideas, processes and systems that operate beneath the surface, subtly but profoundly influencing their surroundings.
Undergrowth unfolds across wall, floor and plinth-based works, forming an immersive landscape that visitors can navigate from multiple viewpoints. Some pieces evoke an “earth layer,” potentially incorporating metal grids that allow sightlines above and below, drawing attention to what is visible and what is concealed. The pairing of ceramics and metal creates a striking contrast between organic and industrial materials, foregrounding texture, weight and tactility.
Viewers are invited to engage slowly and attentively, encountering the work from different angles and depths. The installation proposes a space that feels interconnected and evolving, encouraging reflection on the unseen structures – ecological, material and conceptual – that underpin both the artworks and the wider environment.
Exhibited artists: Elizabeth Jackson, Emily Stapleton Jefferis, Jo Pearl, Lisa Hellrup, Meichen Chen, Mingshu Li, Raphael Emine, Safia Hijos, Sisse Holst Pedersen
Curated by Elizabeth Jackson and Emily Stapleton Jefferis
Contact
gallery@countyhallpottery.com
County Hall Pottery
County Hall, Belvedere Road
SE1 7GP London
United Kingdom
Photos courtesy of the gallery
