Unfinished: For the Sake of Making
A study in impermanence,
captured in clay and light
Living up to its title, Unfinished is very much currently unfinished — but we wanted to share the journey of this project as it unfolds.
Unfinished is a hand-bound, limited edition book exploring the quiet rituals of making — from wheel to camera to page. A collaboration between photographer Tom Wright and myself, the book documents the work of a Northern ceramicist, Dave Partington, whose practice embraces function, imperfection, and impermanence.
Recently, Tom and I met to review the first mockups. We looked at paper samples, printed test spreads, and early layouts — making notes by hand, page by page. The book is now going through a quiet stage of refinement, with small updates and tweaks being made ahead of final artwork sign off.
Made to be held
Each copy will be bound by hand using carefully chosen materials — textured papers, exposed fixings, and hand drawn illustration that reflects the raw, useful beauty of the pots themselves. It’s a tactile object, designed to feel honest, considered, and intentionally imperfect.
Built in conversation
This project is a true collaboration — shaped slowly between photographer and designer, image and word. Tom’s quiet, observational photography forms the backbone of the book, while the design, writing and binding are all handled in house by myself. Each element is in response to the other — nothing rushed, nothing added for show.
We’re sharing this project as it takes shape — documenting the process as openly as the final outcome. From studio visits to test prints and material trials, everything is being captured quietly behind the scenes. The story lives not just in the finished book, but in the act of making it.
Led by instinct
While reviewing samples together, Tom noticed something unexpected — my own organisational system: case files, labelled folders, and hand marked details. There was something in the rawness and quiet order of it that suddenly felt right for the book. In that moment, we shifted direction — deciding the cover should follow that visual language instead. This is the kind of project shaped by subtle instincts and shared attention. The smallest details have a way of rising to the surface, quietly leading the way.
More to come
As the book continues to take shape, we’ll be sharing quiet moments from the process — from print tests to binding days and everything in between. If this kind of slow, crafted work speaks to you, we’d love for you to follow along.
We’re working closely with GF Smith to select the right paper for this piece — something that holds photography beautifully while honouring the tactile nature of the book. Their expertise and generosity have played a quiet but important role in shaping how the final piece will feel in the hand.
