Vintage collection 1960s JOHN LAWRENCE Early Mark Studio Pottery Vessel, UK

Born in 1929 in Essex, UK, Lawrence studied at the Wimbledon School of Art after WWII, then continued his potter's apprenticeship in studios in Finland, France and the UK through the mid-1950s. Then, from 1956 until 1964, Lawrence headed up the ceramics department at the Luton School of Art, in the UK. From 1965 Lawrence settled in New Zealand, where he taught for a decade, before returning to pottery full-time in 1974.

Based on its chop mark, this little vessel, wheel-thrown and altered in shape, appears to be from Lawrence's mid-century UK period. It is pleasingly solid, with a nicely balanced flare to the rim and untrimmed foot. I particularly love the layering of wax-resist brushwork over a base glaze, resulting in a complex textural collection surface, and the beautiful wire marks to the base.

In excellent vintage condition, with no chips, cracks or repairs.

Marked with chop attributed to John Lawrence to the lower side.