SCG Empty Bowls 2025 – registration of interest

Empty Bowls project

In 2016, Lynn Nicholls, Southern Ceramic Group (SCG) member worked with a few other local Portsmouth potters to set up the first ‘Empty Bowls’ Portsmouth event. They started small with 50 handmade soup sized bowls but the event was so popular that ever since they have made 100 bowls. ‘Empty Bowls’ is a project that has been running in America and Canada for the past 30 years. It’s a unique event that brings the community together by hosting a simple community meal of soup and bread to help remind people of those who are facing hunger or difficulties.

Each year SCG members have generously donated around 30 bowls and in 2024, with some financial support from SCG, Fatclay Pottery studio in Southsea, SCG member Matt Bugabe, joined the project and hosted making, decorating and firing sessions.

All proceeds go directly to St Simon’s Church in Southsea who support a range of projects to feed the hungry and support the vulnerable. In 2024 £2,500 was raised during the evening event.

How can you help?

If you can donate a soup sized bowl or two to help us achieve our target of 100 handmade soup bowls then that will be amazing. We have already made 40 bowls made ready to be decorated but we would really appreciate your support..

If you are taking part in either the 50th Anniversary Book then your donation can be delivered then or if you are taking part in the Oxmarket exhibition then you can deliver when we are setting up on Monday 24 November.

Please register your interest by completing the short form below. Thank you.