Who are Yoyo?

Yoyo’s chief designer and maker is Helen Johannessen. She is a trained ceramist with particular expertise in modelling and mould making, working for many clients over the years, big (and smaller) It’s all fun and diverse - which is what we thrive on (see Commissions)

Helen’s favourite tool (next to measuring implements) is her lathe for turning plaster. Working from simple profile drawings the stages after modelling are:-

1. Block (the first mould from the model - 1 or 2 prototypes can be cast at this stage)

2. Case (the master copy of block - usually made in silicone rubber)

3. Working moulds (from Case - each mould can last about 50-60 casts in it’s lifespan, if you want say 100 pieces, you will need between 5-10 working moulds for the castor to put into production)

We provide a Constultancy Service (charged per hour - this is the usual time it may take to iron out any issues and answer all questions) for most kinds of ceramic design from prototyping to production advice. Functional, industrial or sculptural work on most scales. If you have no or little prior experience of ceramic production then this is advisable, it will save you time and money in the long run.

Helen has 20 years of experience and can help with advising on each step of the process from designing and putting into production.

Also having model making experience in the film industry, projects in other materials such as rubbers, resins foams etc are something we can also discuss.

If you already have drawings and just want a quote, then email to the address below.

Email us at design@yoyoceramics.co.uk or call +44 (0)794 108 7372.

You can book an appointment at our central London studio (Holborn/Russell Square).

Yes, but what is Yoyo all about?

Ah ha, I see, the other side to Yoyo is (unless you have just landed directly on this page) is all the other ceramicy stuff we design and produce that you see in the Shop

Some of Yoyo’s designs have been licensed out to bigger companies, enabling the creativity to flow more freely and productively– you don’t just want us wrapping up stuff and queuing in the post office do you?!

The company was set up in 2003 and launched at 100% Design at Earls Court.Is that Plastic? captured the imagination of many press and shops around the world. Since then, a new shapes/colours have been added to the collection, with other ranges that you can see around the site too.

The main aim is to have fun in the studio developing and creating, perhaps even bring a smile to people’s faces with our work. All ideas are taken into the ceramic form (for now – we might make something else in another material one day - who knows)

We have lots of events, shows and new products throughout the year at no particular time. Remember to join our mailing list and follow our antics!

Oh, and in the last year there has been some collaborative work happening. Stayed tuned.

See more

We exhibit regularly throughout the year across the United Kingdom and further afield. Keep an eye on the News page for upcoming events or sign up to our mailing list at the bottom of the page to find out first.