Nagat Elizabeth
About
Fragments from the foreshore,
seen anew.
Nagat Elizabeth works under the name South River Artist, creating framed compositions from pottery sherds and other objects found along the Thames foreshore. Bringing together fragments of colour and pattern, she gives these discoveries a new form to be seen and enjoyed.
Finding expression in found objects
Mudlarking is the practice of searching tidal riverbanks and foreshores for lost objects and traces of everyday life. Nagat shares these discoveries through exhibitions and incorporates found materials into her artwork.
Her compositions range from carefully spaced arrangements of patterned pottery sherds to grids of fragments with contrasting textures. Placed alongside one another within a frame, each piece reveals its own distinctive colour and outline.
A Creative Foreshore Permit holder
Nagat Elizabeth holds a Creative Foreshore Permit issued by the Port of London Authority (PLA).
The PLA describes this permit as allowing finds with no inherent monetary or historical value to be used in art and craft for sale, exhibition or personal enjoyment. Nagat’s permit is also noted in an official article by Sutton Council’s Cultural Services.
Colour, pattern and form
About Nagat Elizabeth
Nagat Elizabeth
Alongside making her own work, Nagat curates and participates in exhibitions. Her artist-supplied exhibition history includes London Museum, St Martin-in-the-Fields, Fulham Pier, Guildhall Art Gallery, Canons House and Grounds, and Merton Priory Chapter House.
She shares her work and activities on Instagram as @south_river_artist.
Exhibitions & coverage
Foreshore Finds: A Journey Through Time
Held at Sutton Central Library from 16 July to 22 August 2026, this exhibition brought together finds from three mudlarks, including Nagat. Their displays offered a glimpse into the history of life along the river through objects found on the Thames foreshore.
Read the exhibition feature →Artist details
| Name | Nagat Elizabeth |
|---|---|
| Also known as | South River Artist |
| Main area of activity | London and the surrounding area, United Kingdom |
| Practice | Found-object art; framed compositions using pottery sherds and other found materials |
| Permit | Creative Foreshore Permit, issued by the Port of London Authority |
| @south_river_artist |
