An Introduction to British Studio Pottery

“There’s such a keen, passionate renaissance of people making pots just now. It’s a glorious, fabulous moment.” – Edmund de Waal

The study morning explores studio pottery, with particular emphasis on the V&A’s collection, which was started in 1917 with a piece of studio pottery made by Reginald Wells.

Oliver produced the first Studio pottery catalogue for the V & A in 1990, and Alun is currently updating the catalogue, to include the extra 32 years of acquisitions by the V&A. This new ‘Studio Ceramics’catalogue will be the primary reference for 20th-century and contemporary British studio ceramics, and a record of the national collection of British ceramics held at the V&A.’

During our study morning, we learn about the history of the collection from its inception, discuss the key acquisitions from the last 30 years, as well as looking at predictions for the Future.

The changes in philosophy and attitudes to Studio Pottery, and its fluctuating status as Art or Craft, will also be discussed.

Tim Wilson, president of the OCG, will give an introduction talking about the studio pottery that is in the Ashmolean.

Oliver Watson, Emeritus professor of Islamic Art & Architecture, Will talk about studio pottery up to 2000.  

Alun Graves, Senior curator, ‘Ceramics and Glass 1900 – Now’ at the V&A museum, will talk about studio pottery from 2000  to the present day.

Members are welcome to bring items for interest and / or identification.

Tea and Coffee will be served from 10:00am and the first lecture will begin at 10:30am.  The meeting will finish by 1pm, and members are welcome to make their own arrangements for lunch.