Maak’s November auction once again brings together a superb selection of works that demonstrate the very best in British studio pottery and ceramic art, alongside pieces by significant names across the globe.
As ever, Maak seeks to bring a highly selective and sensitively curated approach to the bi-annual Contemporary Ceramics auction, with works representing the evolution of this movement with its wide ranging aesthetic, from the early traditionalists routed in the Anglo-Oriental language of Bernard Leach through the mid-century masters represented by Lucie Rie and Hans Coper, but also the consciously urban language of the Picassettes, William Newland, Nicholas Vergette and James Tower, working in the post-war period looking directly to the ceramic work of Pablo Picasso at Madoura, whose work is also on offer in this sale.
The divergence of influences and artistic expression that represent the 1970s through to today form a significant focus of this auction with masterpieces by Ewen Henderson, Gordon Baldwin, Elizabeth Fritsch, Alison Britton, Jennifer Lee, Magdalene Odundo, Kate Malone and Edmund de Waal being just some examples of the vastly differing artistic languages that ceramic artists have at their disposal today.
Lot 219: Magdalene Odundo (Kenyan/British, b.1950) 'Untitled', Vessel, 1983 | Est. £50,000-80,000
As ever, the Maak auctions are defined by the importance of the private collectors from whose collections these ceramic artworks have been sourced.
You can read more about the collecting journey of the South African potter and collector, Peter Jaff, whose enviable collection forms a significant part of the offering in this auction.
“Living with these works has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my journey. Every piece in the collection provided continuous stimulation, admiration and inspiration, reflecting both the artist’s imagination and the profound pride and pleasure of collecting… Each piece in my collection was purchased with love, but above reflects my maker’s understanding and respect for the craft.”
The passion for collecting and living with ceramics is something shared by most collectors in this field. A group of works from the collection of Roger Quiller Barrett include the Lucie Rie green bowl lot 71 purchased from the Peter Dingley Gallery, Stratford-upon-Avon. Reminiscing of her uncle and his collection, Carolyn Elliot says, “When he was young and not very well off he spent his lunch breaks walking down King’s Road and gazing at ceramics in a gallery, particularly taken by the glazes of Lucie Rie. As he advanced in his career he was delighted to acquire a selection of works by Lucie Rie and others which were stored in a large display cabinet. He only purchased things he believed to be exceptional and beautiful. Preserving any art, skills or knowledge was very important to him he felt it important to share with everyone"
Lot 71: Lucie Rie (Austrian/British, 1902-1995), Footed Bowl, circa 1986 | Est. £25,000-35,000
The beauty of any auction is the opportunity for much loved pieces to come together before they become part of new collections. In the words of Peter Jaff, “We were privileged custodians and hope future buyers will derive as much pleasure and delight in obtaining and holding the pieces which have delighted me and my family for over 45 years.”
Contemporary Ceramics | 16 - 21 November 2024
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