Facts About Studio Pottery You Never Knew

Studio pottery is a new take on an age-old craft in which modern and advanced techniques are adopted for pottery making. It is made by modern professional or amateur artists who work alone or in small groups and creates unique pottery pieces. Pottery items are made in small quantities, and typically, a single individual may carry out the entire production process for a particular item. The artists make use of innovative practices and creative techniques, unlike the traditional pottery craft. Studio pottery consists of kitchenware, dinnerware, tableware at large but they also craft sculptures. Studio potters all over the world call themselves ceramic artists or ceramists. Unique and magnificent studio pottery has been incredibly popular in Britain since the 1980s. In the 20th century Britain and America, ceramics became highly precious in the art and crafts world and were sold at auction houses for high prices.  

 

As people all around the globe are becoming more aware of modern craft, studio pottery has gained wide popularity among the middle and elite class. It is increasingly popular for its striking and elegant appearance and is commonly seen as essential home décor. 

 

History of studio art pottery 

 

The origin of studio pottery art dates back to early 20th century Britain where the first studio ceramics movement began. At the time, potters were still adapting their traditional methods of crafting handmade clay pottery. Bernard Leach, born in Hong Kong in 1887, advocated that pottery is the result of the amalgamation of two cultures, eastern and western. For several decades, The Leach Pottery studio trained various new-age influential potters such as Katharine Pleydell-Bouverie (1895-1985), Michael Cardew (1901-1983), Norah Braden (1901-2001), and Richard Batterham (born 1936). Leach came to be widely regarded as the Father of British studio pottery. He wrote a famous book, “A Potter’s Book,” which was first published in 1940.

 

The evolution of studio pottery explored in the Yale exhibit

 

An exhibit “Things of Beauty Growing: British Studio Pottery,” set up at the Yale Centre for British Art in 2017, was the first major survey organized by the United States of America on British studio art pottery. Over 150 ceramic objects, including tableware, home décor items, and monumental forms, were brought together, including historical pottery works from China, Japan, and Korea. The exhibition traced the evolution of studio pottery since its discovery in the 20th century to the present day in modern pottery studios. It demonstrated how studio pottery has traveled all over the globe between England, Europe, Asia, Africa, and much more. New advanced techniques of pottery are used in present times as exemplified by the intricate ceramic objects of different shapes and sizes exhibited, showing the development of British art and culture.

 

Items included in this world-class exhibition were organised in chronological order as follows:

 

Moon Jar: The 17th century Joseon dynasty moon jar demonstrates the significance and influence of the studio pottery art form on the artists today. This was in the exhibition’s opening section, which consisted of unique pottery pieces by Gareth Mason, Akiko Hirai, Adam Buick, and Nao Matsunaga.

 

Vase and Bowl: This magnificent section featured the eastern origins of studio pottery in Britain. The pieces made by pioneer artists such as William Staite Murray, Bernard Leach, Shoji Hamada, and William PleydellBouverie were transformed into modern art. Vases and bowls made in Britain were placed alongside Historical works from China and Korea.

 

Charger: The charger or service plate served as a “painting in the round” for British potters in the early 20th century. The charger is more of a decorative item than a functional piece of pottery. Slips on dishes made by Leach, Hamada, Cardew were positioned in this section. 

 

Set: This section exhibited handmade coffee and breakfast sets by Leach, Lucie Rie, and Ruth Duckworth alongside designer tableware by Keith Murray and Susie Cooper. These unique pieces demonstrated the exchange, rivalry, and continuity between pots and commercial wares.

 

Vessel: This section presented the pieces from the 1970s when there was a sudden decline of traditional studio pottery. With new inventions, the artists started exploring new patterns, textures, and optical illusion started being increasingly popular among the artists. Gordon Baldwin, Elizabeth Fritsch, Angus Suttie, Jacqueline Poncelet, and Alison Britton could be found in this section.

 

Pots: This section displayed pots by Ladi Kwali, Gwyn Hanssen Pigott, Magdalene Odundo, Jennifer Lee, and Edmund de Waal. This display demonstrated the art from the 1980s to the present day.

 

Monuments: Large-scale new vessels by Duckworth, Felicity Aylieff, Julian Stair, and Lawson Oyekan display the ascendancy of monumental sculptures in studio pottery.

 

Studio pottery collection at ExclusiveLane 

 

Studio Pottery Ceramic Cup & Saucer Set Of 6 In Brown

Elegantly handcrafted cutlery is always a treat for the eyes. Studio pottery ceramic dinnerware has gained wide popularity over the last few decades. Order this exquisite set of ceramic cups and saucers in brown and add sophistication to your dinnerware experience.

 

'Blues Of Sky' Studio Pottery Glazed Coffee Mugs In Ceramic (Set Of 2)

Studio pottery has become increasingly popular for its delicately glazed artistry. Beautifully crafted elegant coffee mugs are perfect for your evening coffee. These beautiful coffee mugs stand out for their classic dual tone of teal blue and stone blue colours. 

 

Tea & Coffee Cups Dual-Glazed Studio Pottery In Ceramic (Set Of 6)

These beautiful hand-glazed dual-color tea and coffee cups are perfect for enjoying tea and coffee with your friends and family. Bring home an exclusive set of studio pottery ceramic cups and enhance your teaware collection.

 

'Crimson Mascarene' Hand Glazed Studio Pottery Ceramic Tea Cups & Saucers Set (Set Of 6)

If you are looking for a unique gift for your loved ones this festive season, these beautifully hand-glazed studio pottery ceramic teacups are your perfect option. 

 

Check out a wide collection of hand-glazed cups and mugs, jars and containers only on ExclusiveLane.com.