about

about studio emma sophia

Studio emma sophia is an independent pottery studio focussed on the production of small batch, handmade ceramics and functional pottery for daily use. At studio emma sophia natural clay colours and textures are celebrated and shaped into simple, useable objects for your home.

The studio is located in the formal prison in Breda. A stunning 19th century panopticon dome which houses many different businesses.
Because the old prison walls are in the way you can only visit the studio by appointment.

Almost all work produced at studio emma sophia is functional pottery; products that can be utilised in daily life, rather than strictly decorative pieces. I want to find that sweet spot where a pot feels precious but not so much that you’re afraid of touching and using it.
My main method of making is wheel throwing but I also love handbuilding techniques, sometimes mixing the two. I tend to focus on the colour and feel of the natural clay, which is why I go easy on glaze colours.

My name is Emma Grout and I am the founder, maker, designer, customer relations manager, cleaning lady and social media content maker at studio emma sophia. It is a one woman show. As a graduate from the fine art department of the Willem de Kooning Academy in Rotterdam, I discovered ceramics shortly after finishing my fine art degree in 2014. At the end of that year I set out to do a simple beginners course in pottery to get myself back into making. There wasn’t much room to make simple things with my hands during my research and concept based art degree. It took only one pottery lesson for me to become obsessed.

Because I am the only employee at studio emma sophia I am also always the person replying to any e-mails or other messages.