Rie’s reputation is largely defined by her career after 1938 when she settled in London and set up a studio near Marble Arch. The pieces she created during this period continue to lead the market in 20th century studio ceramics. However, the c.1930 earthenware tea set now shown at the Mayfair gallery was made in Vienna where Rie trained and offers a glimpse of her earlier work.
The exhibition also features other 20th century and contemporary ceramicists, such as Ewen Henderson, James Tower, Gordon Baldwin, and Gwyn Hanssen Pigott. A total of 26 objects by 11 artists are on offer.
Among the stand-out works at the Erskine, Hall & Coe show are a small flask by Ian Godfrey, a wall panel by Ruth Duckworth which has come directly from her estate and a spade form by Hans Coper. A vessel by Jennifer Lee, who has been shortlisted this year for the Loewe prize, is also included.
Most of the works in the exhibition are priced from £1000-20,000, though those by Rie and Coper go up to £80,000.
Running from April 26-May 26, the show coincides with Things of Beauty Growing, a visual history of British ceramics now at The Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge.
