We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new bespoke hand built coffee mugs designed in collaboration with local ceramicists, Firing Station. Firing Station is a Ceramic Education Studio based in West Norwood, run by female artists - Ella and Hannah. We caught up with them to learn more about their business and why they wanted to collaborate with Volcano Coffee Works on this project.
Tell us a bit about Firing Station
"When we started Firing station, our aim and ethos was to make the arts a more inclusive and accessible space while spreading the joy of hand building ceramics across all corners of London.
Hand building is an accessible and relaxing technique in ceramics. All skills learnt in our workshops are transferrable to making ceramics in our customers' own time with simple equipment - we just provide the kiln to get your new hobby going.
We collaborate and host events along side local businesses such as Gipsy Hill Taproom, A Small Studio Architecture Firm, Streatham Wine House, Upstairs at the Department Store, Volcano Coffee Works and many more. We also are a perk of all Workspace customers across London, popping up monthly in their many locations."
How would you describe Firing station’s ceramic style?
"As a studio, we work solely in hand building so our work is all bespoke creating one-off pieces and custom collaborations. Our style as artists in our own practice really differs as we individually take inspiration from our own passions."
Why did you want to work with Volcano?
"Volcano has been part of our story from very early on. Ella’s first job straight out of Covid-lockdown was as a barista at the Volcano Cafe in Parkhall which is where we found our studio space, this allowed us to grow and develop in completely new ways.
We have run workshops in the cafe in our early days and we now have artists working in the studio who either work or have worked for Volcano.
We’ve always had full-time jobs that supported us in what we were building together. Last year we both handed in our notices and made the leap to run Firing Station full-time. Ella returned to Volcano, this time at the roastery, just a couple days a week to support the new routine.
As another local business that started out just like us and one we have a deep connection to, it’s a truly special collaboration. Plus – we’re mega fans of the coffee! Seeing our designs come to fruition in this collaboration has been fantastic."
Tell us about the design of the Volcano cups?
"The mug we have designed compliments the earthy rich tones seen in Volcano’s palette whilst bringing a stark contrast between the graphic branding and the handmade ceramic. The materials are ones we use a lot in our own practice so the fit felt perfect for our collaboration. Each mug is stamped with both Volcano and Firing Station’s branding on the bottom as to represent both brands."
Check out our socials to see some behind-the-scenes of the making process here.
You can buy the Volcano X Firing Station Cups individually or as a pair and if you’re looking for a truly thoughtful gift for the coffee lover in mind, we are offering a gift set with two cups and a bag of coffee.
Visit @Firing_Station to find out more about what they do and book a session.
