Helen Beard studied Ceramics at Edinburgh College of Art and continued her training under the supervision of Edmund de Waal. He taught her to throw on the wheel and introduced her to porcelain; she is still using the same clay today.Beard now works from her Islington studio where she makes, draws, designs and sometimes teaches. A love of the local area inspires much of her work. There are all sorts of characters who crop up again and again on her pots, from swimmers in the parks to traders at the local markets. By grouping her pots together, she likes to tell a story – creating whimsical scenes that capture the small yet precious moments that make up our daily lives. Her one of a kind ceramics, individually thrown on the wheel and hand painted, are made for exhibitions and commissions. Beard often collaborates with private clients, luxury retailers, galleries and museums.