Dame Lucie Rie

New Craftsman Gallery, St Ives, where acquired by the family of the present owner, 23rd April 1986

Structurally sound with no obvious cracks or breaks, the work appears in excellent overall condition. Please telephone the department on +44 (0) 207 293 6424 if you have any questions regarding the present work.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Sold together with the original purchase receipt.

Austrian-born Rie fled to Britain shortly before the outbreak of the Second World War, where she had already begun to establish herself as a leading figure within the world of European ceramics.  Arriving in Britain, and initially relying on the production of glass and ceramic buttons to support herself, Rie soon emerged as a spearhead in the emerging studio ceramic movement, from her small studio in Albion Mews, West London.  Developing instantly recognisable, well-balanced forms, with captivating and unique glazes, Rie soon established herself in the London art scene, exhibiting regularly at the Berkley Galleries, London, alongside her close friend Hans Coper (see lot 179).

This impressive sgraffito bowl, produced in the mid-1980s, showcases well her advanced technique in lustrous glazes, with a wonderful golden/copper sheen that captures the light and serves to further emphasise her delicate sgraffito decoration.  Bought by the family of the present owner from the New Craftsman Gallery in St Ives, it serves to highlight to close relationship that Rie shared with the region, having been involved in the 1952 Dartington International Conference of Craftsmen in Pottery and Textiles, alongside Leach, Cardew, Hamada and Coper.  Although her work took a very different aesthetic approach from Leach and his followers, Rie remained close with him until his death, collecting him from the Paddington Station when he came up to visit London from St Ives, and providing accommodation throughout the duration of his stay.