Ashraf Hanna Overview
About Ashraf Hanna
Egyptian-born, British artist Ashraf Hanna (b.1967) is acclaimed for hand-built ceramic vessels and kiln-formed glass. Trained initially in theatre design at Central Saint Martins, Hanna began working with clay in the late 1990s and now works from his studio in Pembrokeshire, West Wales. His practice explores the dialogue between profile, line, and negative space, often arranging related forms in groups so that each piece informs the next.
Materials & Techniques
Hanna is best known for cut and altered vessels in earthenware—sleek, architectural forms with sharply defined rims and planes that contrast with softly swelling bodies. Surface treatments range from deeply textured matt blacks to refined, luminous colour fields. Alongside ceramics, Hanna produces kiln-formed glass vessels, extending his language of line and balance into translucent media. ashrafhanna.net
Awards & Recognition
Hanna’s work has been widely recognised, including First Prize (Best in Show) at the British Glass Biennale 2015, the Major Creative Wales Award (2013), Welsh Artist of the Year – Applied Arts (2010), and the Crossover Award at Emerge 2016.
Museum Collections
His pieces are held by leading institutions including the Victoria & Albert Museum, London, the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, the National Museum of Wales, and Musée Ariana, Geneva, among others—underscoring his significance within contemporary studio ceramics and glass. ashrafhanna.net
Exhibitions
Hanna exhibits regularly at key fairs and galleries such as Ceramic Art London, COLLECT (London), the Contemporary Ceramics Centre, and Maud & Mabel, with recent showings in 2022–2024 across London and Somerset. ashrafhanna.netceramicartlondon.com
Buying & Selling Ashraf Hanna at Wilson55
We feature Ashraf Hanna within our specialist Modern Art & Design auctions, held quarterly and covering studio pottery, ceramics, glass, and more. To consign or request a free, confidential valuation, please contact our specialists. wilson55.com
Market Notes
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Form & scale: Larger, more architectural vessels and confident groupings tend to command stronger prices. Contemporary Ceramics
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Medium: Kiln-formed glass with strong colour handling can achieve premium results alongside the classic cut-and-altered ceramics. ashrafhanna.net
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Provenance & exhibition history: Works exhibited at recognised venues and fairs (e.g., Ceramic Art London, COLLECT) and those published by reputable galleries are especially desirable.
Recent example: Wilson55 offered an Ashraf Hanna cut and altered earthenware vessel (incised mark to base) in our 27 February 2025 Modern Art & Design sale (Lot 83, Nantwich).
Identifying & Authenticating
Hanna’s ceramics are typically hand-built with precise, pared-back silhouettes; bases are often incised with his mark. Textures and finishes are deliberate (avoid mistaking studio surface variation for condition issues). If in doubt, our specialists are happy to advise.
Care & Display
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Ceramics: Dust with a soft, dry microfiber cloth. Avoid abrasives and prolonged direct sunlight.
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Glass: Handle with clean, dry hands; avoid temperature shock and chemical cleaners.
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Grouping: Where possible, display in dialogue—Hanna’s vessels often gain impact when arranged in considered sets. ashrafhanna.net
FAQ
Who is Ashraf Hanna?
An award-winning British artist (b. Egypt, 1967) working in ceramics and kiln-formed glass, based in Pembrokeshire, Wales. CAS
Has he won major awards?
Yes—most notably Best in Show at the British Glass Biennale (2015) and the Major Creative Wales Award (2013).
Where can I see his work?
In UK collections such as the V&A and Fitzwilliam Museum, and at leading fairs and galleries including the Contemporary Ceramics Centre and Ceramic Art London. ceramicartlondon.com
Ashraf Hanna's works display a high degree of technical skill while keeping to clean, simple lines with contrast of colours generating maximum visual effect, allowing them to stand-out in any interior. The last decade has seen a growing interest in Ashraf’s work amongst collectors of studio pottery and, with his recent work for the BBC, this following is very likely to grow in the coming years.
Wilson55 feature works by Ashraf Hanna in our specialist Modern Art & Design auctions which are held four times a year and cover a wide selection of furniture, studio pottery, ceramics, glass, print & multiples, paintings and more. For a free, confidential auction valuation of your collection, to enquire about any of our lots or to enter your own collection into one of our specialist sales, get in touch: james.spiridion@wilson55.com or fill in our online valuation form below.
Meet the Expert
James Spiridion
Auctioneer and valuer specialising in Modern Design. James has recently returned to the North West after spending the last few years as a valuer in Scotland, during that time James also featured on Paul Martin's Auction Showdown for Channel 5 as a 'Rival Auctioneer'.
Email: james.spiridion@wilson55.com