From creating props for some of Britain’s best-known television shows to developing her own distinctive ceramics, Liverpool-born artist Caroline Sandford-Muir has enjoyed a fascinating creative journey.
Now working from her home studio in South Liverpool, Caroline is the founder of Sand Pottery, producing handmade ceramics and sculptural artworks inspired by everything from wild swimming to British folklore.
As part of our Liverpool Makers’ Bazaar spotlight series, we caught up with Caroline to discover how her passion for pottery began, the inspiration behind her work and why supporting Liverpool’s independent creative community means so much to her.
From Television Sets to the Pottery Wheel
Creativity has always been central to Caroline’s career. After graduating with a degree in Theatre and Performance Design from the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA), she moved to London to pursue a career in television.
Starting out as an Art Department Assistant, Caroline progressed to Art Director before specialising in graphic design and prop making.
Her impressive television credits include creating props for Spitting Image, alongside work on BBC dramas The Capture and EastEnders. She even made a cameo appearance as a market trader in an episode of Not Going Out.
Although television remains part of her professional life, it was during maternity leave with her first son, Freddie, that Caroline discovered an entirely new creative passion.
Six months into her maternity leave, she found herself searching for a fresh challenge and something creative she could make with her hands.
She signed up for a three-day pottery throwing course with Ricky Grimes at his London studio, and it wasn’t long before she was hooked.
Keen to continue, Caroline hoped to join the studio’s regular evening classes, only to discover they were fully booked. Fortunately, a space became available just two weeks later.
She seized the opportunity and continued attending weekly classes for the next two years, developing a lasting love of throwing pottery.
Bringing Sand Pottery Home to Liverpool
When Caroline and her husband, James, were expecting their second son, they decided it was time to return to Liverpool to be closer to family.
By this point, pottery had become much more than a hobby, and finding a home with enough space for a dedicated studio was a priority.
Their house search focused on properties with a basement, garage or garden large enough to accommodate Caroline’s growing creative ambitions.
In 2023, they found the ideal property in Liverpool 17.
During her second period of maternity leave, Caroline began transforming the family basement into her dream pottery studio.
In a fortunate twist of timing, just as she started looking for equipment, another local potter was preparing to move abroad and sell her entire studio setup.
It seemed everything was falling into place.
By 2025, Caroline’s studio was complete, allowing her to dedicate the majority of her working time to Sand Pottery while continuing to take on occasional television projects.
Working from home has brought plenty of advantages, particularly the freedom of having a studio just downstairs. However, Caroline acknowledges that working independently can sometimes feel isolating.
Continuing with television projects gives her a welcome change of pace and an opportunity to enjoy the social side of working with others.
She’s also delighted to have some regular company in the pottery studio, with her mum joining her once a week.
A long-time pottery enthusiast herself, Caroline’s mum is clearly a talented maker.
“And she’s annoyingly really good!” Caroline jokes.
Finding Inspiration in Wild Swimming and British Folklore
For Caroline, pottery initially offered a relaxing, almost therapeutic escape from everyday life.
But as her skills developed, so did her desire to experiment and challenge herself.
Rather than settling into a familiar routine, she continues to explore new techniques, products and themes, finding fresh ways to express her creativity.
Two particularly distinctive influences have emerged in her work: wild swimming and living British folklore.
Her wild swimming-inspired ceramics celebrate the fearless characters who embrace the great outdoors, often with affection, humour and a playful sense of personality.
Another recurring influence is British folklore, although Caroline is keen to make an important distinction.
“I only focus on living folklore and not mythology,” she explains, before teasingly adding, “Well, for the moment…”
Perhaps that’s a hint of what’s still to come.
Both themes have become important influences on her sculptural fine art pieces, helping Caroline develop a recognisable artistic style that combines storytelling, craftsmanship and character.
From Handmade Homewares to the Royal Academy
One of the most interesting aspects of Sand Pottery is how Caroline’s work spans both functional ceramics and fine art.
We discussed the relationship between craft and art, and where the two overlap. At Liverpool Makers’ Bazaar, there’s a long-held belief that all craft is art, something that resonates with Caroline’s creative approach.
She sees her practice as having two complementary strands.
The first focuses on affordable, creative homewares and smaller artworks, which she sells at independent makers’ markets and through selected retailers.
The second centres on her sculptural fine art pieces, which have achieved recognition beyond Liverpool.
Caroline has had work accepted and sold at the prestigious Royal Academy Summer Exhibition and the Discerning Eye exhibition at London’s Mall Galleries.
It’s an impressive achievement and reflects the breadth of her creative practice, from everyday objects designed to be used and enjoyed to more conceptual pieces exploring the themes that fascinate her.
Why Liverpool’s Independent Makers’ Markets Matter
While exhibiting in galleries has brought exciting opportunities, Caroline is equally enthusiastic about selling her work face to face at local makers’ markets.
For her, the experience is about much more than making sales.
Through regularly attending markets, including those on Lark Lane, she has developed friendships with fellow creatives, connected with customers and become part of a supportive independent makers’ community.
She particularly enjoys seeing familiar faces return to her stall.
“When people appreciate my work, they return to see me specifically and what new pieces I have created,” she explains.
“And it’s great when they buy additional pieces and begin their collections.”
There’s something special about customers developing a personal connection with the person behind the products they purchase.
Markets also give Caroline the opportunity to discover and support other local makers.
As we discussed, fellow stallholders can often be some of the most enthusiastic customers, understanding first-hand the imagination, skill and effort involved in bringing a creative idea to life.
For independent artists and makers, these connections are an invaluable part of building a sustainable creative practice.
A Creative Journey Supported by Family
As our conversation drew to a close, I asked Caroline whether she had any final reflections on her journey from television production to establishing Sand Pottery.
Despite running her creative business independently, she was quick to acknowledge that she hasn’t achieved everything alone.
Balancing the demands of developing a creative practice with raising two young children is no small undertaking, and Caroline credits her family with providing the support that has made it possible.
In particular, she expressed her appreciation for her husband, James, and her mum and dad, whose encouragement and practical support have helped her turn a newfound passion into a flourishing creative business.
It’s a lovely reminder that behind many independent creative businesses is a network of people helping to make those ambitions possible.
And with her own studio established, a growing collection of work and an expanding community of customers and fellow makers, there’s plenty more to come from Sand Pottery.
Discover Sand Pottery and Meet Caroline
If you’d like to discover Caroline’s handmade ceramics, explore her latest creations or enquire about a commission, you can get in touch directly.
Instagram: @SandPottery
Email: info@sandpotterystudio.com
You can also meet Caroline in person at the next Liverpool Makers’ Bazaar on Sunday 8 November 2026, from 11am to 4pm, where you’ll have the opportunity to browse her work, learn more about her creative process and support a talented Liverpool independent maker.
Whether you’re searching for a unique gift, a piece of handmade pottery for your home or simply want to discover more of Liverpool’s thriving creative community, Sand Pottery is well worth exploring.
