What is Jesmonite?

Pick up one of my shell dishes and you’ll feel its smooth, stone-like finish. I make it from Jesmonite AC100, a casting material that starts as a fine mineral powder and a water-based acrylic liquid.

From a pour to a finished piece

In my York studio I mix the powder and liquid, add pigment and pour the mixture into a mould. For a marbled finish, I swirl the colours together just before pouring. Look closely at two shells from the same batch and you’ll see the veins take different paths.

Once each piece has set, I take it out of the mould, sand the edges and seal the surface by hand. The fine ridges in a shell and the soft curve of a flower petal come from the shape of the mould itself.

Caring for your piece

Wipe it with a soft, damp cloth and dry it afterwards. Keep it out of the dishwasher and avoid soaking it.

Explore the homeware or make your own in a Jesmonite workshop.