Stoneware, dark mottled black and brown glazes with flashes of blue, a softly pitted surface, impressed JW seal
H 18.9cm, D 36.6cm
PROVENANCE: The Marc & Diane Grainer Collection, Washington DC, United States. Acquired Peter Dingley Gallery, Stratford upon Avon
CONDITION: Perfect condition with no damage or restoration
Available for sale: £7,500 inclusive
About the artist
John Ward came to his career in ceramics later in life, having first worked as a cameraman at the BBC. After briefly studying ceramics part time at East Ham Technical College in London, Ward eventually enrolled at Camberwell School of Art in 1966 to study under Lucie Rie and Hans Coper. In 1971 he established his first workshop in London, although he continued to work in other fields alongside his potting, including part time teaching jobs in various institutes. In 1979 Ward moved to Pembrokeshire, West Wales to pursue his career as a potter full time.
Now recognised as one of Britain's foremost studio potters John Ward built up a remarkable body of work characterised by slow, methodical hand-building, and a concern for the sculptural qualities of a pot. His practice focused on the marriage of glaze and form, working within a limited palette of matt glazes and evolving forms to produce subtle variations.
His works have been exhibited internationally, including at the Victoria and Albert Museum. In 2022 a monograph was published surveying his life and work, written by Emma Crichton-Miller.
'My pots offer a space that can be used in whatever way the owner would like or can just be left to reflect the changing light and resonate with their surroundings; for no pot is an 'island, entire of itself', but exists within its relationships.' - John Ward
Artist's Other Pieces
