high-quality
handcrafted ceramics
SGW Labs is a ceramic studio established in London by artist Yuta Segawa in 2018. The company is dedicated to creating high-quality, handcrafted ceramics that celebrate the worth of human labour.
Origins
SGW Labs operates with a mission to explore the significance of craftsmanship in the modern era, drawing inspiration from the ideas of William Morris. The company believes in the enduring value of human-made goods and seeks to create beautiful possibilities through skilled handiwork. This philosophy guides every aspect of their production, from design to finishing, ensuring each piece is a testament to the artisan's dedication. The brand’s focus is to produce art that is both for the people and made by the people.
Handmade Detail
The company specialises in a diverse range of handmade ceramics, including mugs, tumblers, and miniature pottery, which founder Yuta Segawa has a particular specialism in. Each piece is designed and hand-cast in London, showcasing unique and often complex techniques. The use of brightly coloured, hand-applied glazes gives every item its distinctive finish. This commitment to meticulous, hands-on production distinguishes SGW Labs’ products from mass-produced alternatives.
individual character
heritage of craftsmanship
Driven by a passion for artistic creation, SGW Labs continues to uphold the heritage of craftsmanship. The brand’s collection of bespoke, handcrafted items offers customers pieces that are valued for their quality, artistry, and individual character.
William Morris
The company’s slogan, "The Art of people," is a nod to William Morris's influential 1879 lecture at the Birmingham Society of Arts and School of Design.
Morris, a pioneer of the Arts and Crafts movement, used this phrase to underscore the significance of craftsmanship and human labour.
He advocated for art that brings happiness to both its creator and its audience, believing that genuine artistry stems from a pleasure in human work.
SGW Labs | FAQs
All SGW Labs ceramics are meticulously designed and hand-cast in their studio located in London, England. The company is committed to upholding the value of human labor and craftsmanship by keeping their entire production process in-house.
The company's products are handcrafted with care. While they are durable, it is recommended to hand-wash them with mild soap and warm water to protect the glaze and prevent potential wear. Sudden temperature changes should be avoided, so it is best not to place pottery directly from the fridge into a hot oven or use it on a stovetop.
SGW Labs was founded in 2018 by the Japanese ceramic artist Yuta Segawa. A master of miniature ceramics, Segawa is known for his unique techniques and has developed over 500 different glazes. His artistic vision is the driving force behind the company's commitment to craftsmanship.
The slogan is a direct reference to a lecture delivered by William Morris in 1879. It reflects the company’s core philosophy, which believes in the worth of human labor and the idea that art should be made "by the people and for the people, as a happiness to the maker and the user." This mission underpins SGW Labs’ handcrafted approach.
Each ceramic piece is hand-thrown and hand-finished with the same attention to detail as a full-sized item. The process involves a series of delicate steps, including careful trimming and the application of unique, hand-blended glazes. This meticulous, hands-on method ensures every item is a unique work of art.
