The Art of the Potter: Ceramics and Sculpture from 1930 to Now

Maja Lorkowska, Exhibitions Editor

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The Art of the Potter: Ceramics and Sculpture from 1930 to Now

19 January 2023-20 January 2024
Date
Time
Session Features
19 Jan 2023
11:30 am

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Hans Coooper, Spade Vase. The Hepworth Wakefield (Wakefield Council Permanent Art Collection). Gift from Gilbert and Pauline Ross, 2021. Photo: Anna Bridson.
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Calling all pottery lovers! The Hepworth Wakefeld marks 100 years since the gallery’s collection was first established with a series of wonderful exhibitions. One of those, The Art of the Potter: Ceramics and Sculpture from 1930 to Now, celebrates the medium of ceramics and showcases its sculptural potential.

The show is also a celebration of the hard work of the gallery team who continue to work on growing the collection, through donations, gifts and fundraising activities.

The Art of the Potter: Ceramics and Sculpture from 1930 to Now includes a range of work by notable ceramic artists, including a number of new art objects such as the multi-piece of work by Gwyn Hanssen Pigott, 2012, a large moon jar by Akiko Hirari from 2020 and Asymmetric Vessel made by Magdalene Odundo. The last piece is displayed at the gallery for the very first time since its appearance at the 2022 Venice Biennale.

Elizabeth Fritsch Spout Pot Ceramic Gift from Gilbert and Pauline Ross, 2021
Elizabeth Fritsch, Spout Pot, Ceramic, Gift from Gilbert and Pauline Ross, 2021

 

One hundred years after the collection was established, some of the best-known names in British studio pottery are represented in Wakefield’s collection. The Art of the Potter features over 80 works (half of which are new or promised gifts), spelling a bright future for the Gallery’s growing pottery collection.

The exhibition covers pivotal moments in the history of British ceramics and sculpture, starting with post-war studio pottery in the 1920s. Key artists of the time included Lucie Rie and Hans Cooper whose modernist abstract vessels served as prime examples of sculptural uses of clay. Their students included Ewen Henderson, Angus Suttie and others, while in London, Eduardo Palozzi, Ruth Duckworth and William Turnbull were busy making more minimalist, bold forms that would not look out of place in a contemporary display today.

Lucie Rie Vase with flared Rim Ceramic Gift from Gilbert and Pauline Ross, 2021
Lucie Rie, Vase with flared Rim, Ceramic, Gift from Gilbert and Pauline Ross, 2021

 

The 1960s and 1970s saw artists experiment with glazing techniques in rich colours, often on hand-built, rather than thrown, forms. The radical approach popular in the 1980s and 1990s rejected the traditional notion of the vessel as ‘container’ and later moved even further to challenge the concepts of ‘pottery’ and ‘ceramics’, to instead focus on works in clay while leaning towards sculpture.

More recently, ceramics have gone through something of a renaissance with the medium’s popularity soaring on the wave of the recently reignited interest in the crossover between art and craft. Visitors will find more organic-looking forms in the work of Akiko Hirai and striking elegance in Magdalene Odundo’s refined forms.

What's on at The Hepworth Wakefield

Where to go near The Art of the Potter: Ceramics and Sculpture from 1930 to Now

Wakefield
Restaurant
Hi Sushi

Hi Sushi is a new Japanese sushi restaurant, located at the site of the former Hokkaido Teppanyaki restaurant.

Wakefield
Theatre
Stride Theatre

Stride Theatre is a diversity and SEN focused theatre company at the heart of the Wakefield community, looking to ‘bring people together’ and ‘allow individuals to flourish’.

Wakefield
Shop
Wakefield Antiques

Wakefield Antiques, The Ridings is the hot-spot space for locals of Wakefield to deal, create and collect products, craft and heirlooms.

Wakefield
Bar or Pub
Now Serving

In the heart of Wakefield this basement bar, ‘high end, low brow’ by their own description, remains a popular watering hole.

Neon Workshops
Wakefield
Neon Workshops

One of Wakefield’s coolest companies, book a workshop, visit a temporary exhibition or browse Neon Workshops’ online shop.

Merlins of Wakefield
Wakefield
Shop
Merlins of Wakefield

Merlins of Wakefield is a magic shop offering both products and informed advice to beginner and experienced magicians.

Wakefield
Event venue
Venue 23

Venue 23 is an independently run live music venue in Wakefield, which plays host to both local and international talent.

Holmfield Arms
Wakefield
Hotel
Holmfield Arms

A popular lodge-style hotel set in picturesque parkland with its own restaurant, close to Wakefield city centre.

The Hop Wakefield
Wakefield
Music venue
The Hop Wakefield

With over 50 years brewing experience and over 35 years knowledge of the music industry, The Hop Wakefield offers traditional ale plus contemporary music.

Frank Bird
Wakefield
Shop
Frank Bird

With an elegant facade and a reputation for excellent customer service, Frank Bird offers premium menswear collections from around the world.

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