Francesca Anfossi’s Ceramic Lamps Bring a Painter’s Eye to Lighting Design.

London-based artist and ceramicist Francesca Anfossi has unveiled a new series of ceramic lights that blur the line between functional object and sculptural artwork. The collection brings together Italian craftsmanship and a distinctly painterly approach to surface and form.

The series comprises three bespoke designs—Helianthus Lamp, Gum Lamp, and Mother—each combining ceramic, handblown glass, and electrical components. Every piece is made to order, reinforcing the uniqueness of each work and Anfossi’s deeply hands-on practice.

Anfossi’s background as a painter profoundly influences her ceramic work. She employs overlapping techniques using slip and glazes, allowing matte and glossy surfaces to coexist while revealing subtle transparencies. This interplay, she explains, “creates spatial illusions” that bring depth and dynamism to the ceramic surface. Collage is another recurring theme, expressed through layered patterns and a warm, bright colour palette.

While the works serve a clear functional purpose, Anfossi views them equally as stand-alone art objects. “Making functional ceramics is an important part of my practice,” she notes. “It’s about creating a space where shared experiences can form.”

Her Italian heritage plays a significant role in her process. “I come from Italy, where craft traditions are a vital part of our cultural heritage,” she reflects. “Working with clay feels like a natural extension of that legacy. It’s tactile and direct — humble, yet capable of incredible refinement. The process slows me down and shapes how the final work emerges.”

The lamps range from 650 mm to 750 mm high and are available via francescaanfossi.com. They will be on display at the SupaStore Yes! exhibition at 12 Hammersmith Grove, London, until 30th May 2026.

[Images courtesy of the artist.]