Brighton alumna in groundbreaking art installation at Versailles

Since graduating from the University of Brighton's acclaimed 3D Craft and Design BA(Hons) in 2004 - followed by an MA in Ceramics at the Royal College of Art – the Lewes-based ceramist has maintained links to her Brighton alma mater as a ceramics technical demonstrator, alongside forging her own independent career as an acclaimed porcelain maker renowned for flowing lines and lustrous colours.

Now Tanya has brought her skills to bear in creating 20 pieces at the heart of the first ever contemporary art installation commissioned by the Palace of Versailles within a historical-themed exhibition. Entitled 'Après nous, le déluge', the work is on show until 19 February 2023.

Tanya Gomez in her studio

Four years in planning and making, the installation is the brainchild of art collective Lignereux, which began commissioning exquisite decorative objets in the 1780s and was reborn in 2016.

"I was asked by Lignereux to make the Mazarine blue porcelain pieces for the installation - 20 pieces altogether ranging from 14cm – 45 cm high," Tanya explained. "The pieces are porcelain thrown, made in sections and assembled. They go through a tough firing process and each piece has been fired five times. The project took over nine months to complete with some persevering challenges."

"This project with the Palace of Versailles is a wonderful complement to the pleasure I get inspiring and sharing skills every week with brilliant students at University of Brighton."

Tanya’s work is recognised by the Arts Council and Craft Council of England, and she has exhibited both in the UK and internationally. See more of Tanya's work on her website tgceramics.co.uk.

Watch Tanya throw, join and glaze one of her signature ceramics on the art, design, architecture and media blog.