Jess Skelton, winner of the New Ashgate Gallery’s 2024 Rising Stars Award, will present Trajectory - an exhibition reflecting the progression of her work over the past year - at the gallery in Farnham from March 15 to April 26.

She blends porcelain and black clay, embracing imperfections to highlight contrasts between fragility and strength. Inspired by urban decay and discarded objects, her pieces challenge conventional ideas of perfection.

Her collection reflects an evolving practice where expressive mark-making and bold colour inclusions enhance each piece’s character.

By pushing material boundaries, Jess explores themes of resilience and transformation, inviting collectors to see beauty in imperfection.

Rising Stars is a nationally curated platform that champions early-career makers. The programme provides emerging talent with an unparalleled opportunity to connect with collectors and showcase their work.

For collectors, Rising Stars is an exclusive chance to discover and invest in the next generation of talent, contributing to the future of British craft and design.

The 2025 Rising Stars makers are Xinyi Chen, Jane Frost, Asherah (Zeina Al Khaznachi), Serenity Hubick, Pippa Hufton, Fan Ji, Ali Jarvis, Matt Loughlin, Clare Maiden, Makila Nsika, Helena Powell, Zillah Puri, Helen Restorick, YouJin Seo, Jessica White, Iara Talledo Violani, Hwajeong Yeo, Ziyan Wang, Wanyan Wu and Breesha Partington.

One maker will win a solo exhibition in 2026 and receive a one-to-one coaching session with craft business expert Caroline Jackman, helping them develop their practice and expand collector engagement.

Gallery director Dr Outi Remes said: “We believe the work of artists and makers enriches life and that new talent needs to be nurtured and encouraged.

“We are a charity and we do not make a profit: everything we make is reinvested in promoting and encouraging arts and crafts. Every time you follow, like, visit, buy from us, become a patron or donate you help us enrich life through art and craft.”