Born in 1954, Mary Dearden studied at the University of East Anglia where she gained a BA Hons in Fine Arts in 1976. From there she went on to the University of Bristol for her PGCE, and most recently she completed an MA in Ceramics and Archiving at the University of the West of England.

Mary Dearden's vessel forms are thrown using Valentine Red earthenware, and may subsequently be altered and/or assembled. Surface decoration is achieved through the use of porcelain slips with paper resist. Following burnishing they are fired at 1100c. Lustre glazes are usually applied to interiors, firing to 1060c. The forms and images reflect an interest in early Greek pottery and in the natural world.