Jacqueline Poncelet

Multidisciplinary Artist in Ceramics, Painting, Sculpture, and Textiles

Jacqueline Poncelet is an internationally recognized multidisciplinary artist known for her innovative practice that spans ceramics, painting, sculpture, and textiles. Throughout her career, Poncelet has gained recognition for her exploration of pattern, colour, and abstraction. Her work often pushes the boundaries of fine art, drawing inspiration from the natural world, architecture, and the details of everyday life, creating pieces that challenge conventional artistic norms.

Early Life and Education

Born in Liège, Belgium, Jacqueline Poncelet moved to England with her family in 1951. She pursued her art education at Wolverhampton College of Art (1965–1969) before completing a ceramics course at the prestigious Royal College of Art, London (1969–1972), where she honed her craft and developed her unique artistic vision. Early in her career, Poncelet’s ceramic works gained recognition for their intricate surface decoration and unconventional forms, establishing her as a leading figure in the art world.

Major Works and Public Installations

Poncelet’s artistic practice has expanded beyond ceramics to include large-scale public art installations. One of her most iconic works is ‘Wrapper’, a striking exterior cladding on a building located in West London’s Edgware Road. This installation wraps the structure in a vibrant, abstract pattern, showcasing Poncelet’s ability to transform architecture into living, breathing art.

Another notable work is ‘Beauty of Life’ (2013), a monumental art installation at St. Mary’s Hospital, London. Poncelet’s public art continues to captivate audiences, blending colour and form to engage viewers in thoughtful artistic contemplation.

Freelands Award: Major Retrospective at Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art

In 2016, Jacqueline Poncelet received the prestigious Freelands Award, an annual prize recognizing a UK-based arts organization (outside of London) for presenting a major exhibition featuring significant new work by a mid-career woman artist. The award highlights artists whose work may not have yet received the recognition it truly deserves, helping to elevate their visibility within the art world.

As part of this accolade, Poncelet’s work was showcased in a major retrospective exhibition at the Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art (MIMA) in early 2024. This exhibition celebrated her unique contributions to the art world, further solidifying her status as a leading figure in contemporary multidisciplinary art.

Public Collections and Exhibitions

Jacqueline Poncelet’s works are included in prestigious public collections and private collections worldwide including:

• Tate Modern, London, UK
• Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), London, UK
• The Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York, USA
• The Design Museum, London, UK
• Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris, France
• Kunsthaus Graz, Austria
• Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art, UK

Her work is regularly featured in leading galleries and public spaces across the UK and Europe, further cementing her influence in contemporary art.

Jacqueline Poncelet lives and works in London, United Kingdom.