About CoCA

The Centre of Ceramic Art at York opened on 1 August 2015 as part of the renovation and reopening of York Art Gallery.

CoCA highlights and celebrates our collection of British Studio Ceramics, which is the largest and amongst the most important in the UK and covers the entire British studio ceramics movement.

Formed mainly of large gifts from significant private collectors, it retains the unique personality, passions and obsessions of its creators, providing an insight into the socio-economic development of the British studio ceramics movement.

The collection is supported by extensive and fascinating archives, as well as historical collections of ceramics which date back to pre-history.

CoCA is housed in two gallery spaces on the first floor of York Art Gallery and is home to permanent collections, changing exhibitions and displays, new acquisitions, and commissions.

The programme is supported by informal learning opportunities, academic research and events, and a dedicated Subject Specialist Network, all with the aim of promoting the understanding and enjoyment of this important but under-recognised area of British Modernism.