Events Calendar – British School at Athens

Pottery of Sifnos: Living Traditions, Evolving Crafts

The British School at Athens (BSA) and Archipelago Network invite you to join us for an exclusive evening celebrating the rich heritage of Sifniot pottery, exploring its significance in shaping the island’s cultural landscape. For the first time in Athens, the BSA proudly presents the premiere screening of Archipelago Network’s docu-series, offering an intimate glimpse into the modern potting communities of Sifnos. 

For centuries, pottery has been intertwined with the island’s heritage, artistic creativity, and economy; to this day, over fifteen pottery workshops continue to produce distinctive ceramic objects renowned to both local and international audiences. The three short documentaries will transport us into the potteries of Nikos & Giannis Lembesis, Antonis & Giannis Atsonios, and Antonis K. Kalogirou, combining in-depth interviews, observational footage and historic archival photographic materials from these multi-generational spaces.

Moving beyond the screen and drawing on the BSA’s long research history on archaeological and contemporary pottery, experts will come together for insightful conversations, bridging the past and present. The director of Archipelago Network, Jacob Moe, will present the films in conversation with Evangelia Kiriatzi, Director of the BSA’s Fitch Laboratory for Archaeological Science, Rebecca Sweetman, Director of the BSA, and Toby Brundin, the Director of the Craft Potters Association, UK, bringing together their reflections on tradition and innovation, island resilience, and human and object mobility.

The screening and conversation will be preceded by a garden reception. 

Location: British School at Athens garden (52 Souedias Street, 106 76, Athens)

Speakers: Evangelia Kiriatzi (Director of the BSA Fitch Laboratory for Archaeological Science), Jacob Moe (Director of Archipelago Network), Rebecca Sweetman (Director of the BSA), Toby Brundin (Director of the Craft Potters Association)

In person only.

Ticketed but free – register here: