▲ Alison Britton (British, b.1948) a vessel

1989, painted earthenware, signed and dated, signed and dated, 30cm wide, 34cm deep, 17cm high, The collection of Bryan Illsley, St Ives. Alison Britton is widely regarded as one of the leading figures in contemporary English ceramics, known for exploring and developing the artistic and conceptual properties of the medium. She began her training at Leeds College of Art in 1966 before continuing her studies at the Central School of Art & Design, and later, the Royal College of Art in the 1970s. During this formative period, she was mentored by the potter William Newland, whose influence helped shape her early development. Britton emerged as part of a radical generation of Royal College of Art graduates in the early 1970s who challenged conventional ideas of pottery. This movement, later described as the 'New Ceramics', rejected functional norms in favour of sculptural, expressive forms. Unlike traditional wheel-thrown pottery, Britton hand-builds her pieces from assembled slabs, resulting in asymmetrical, architectural forms. Her surfaces are richly decorated with painterly marks, drawing on techniques ranging from poured pigment to gestural brushwork, covered by a final layer of glaze. Alongside her studio practice, Britton has played a pivotal role in ceramic education. She taught for over three decades at the Royal College of Art, where she served as senior tutor for ceramics and glass, influencing generations of artists. Her work is held in major international collections, including the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Stedelijk Museum and other collections worldwide. In recognition of her contribution to the arts, she was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1990. Condition Report, Condition Report, This lot has been professionally cleaned and restored in 2026, following a breakage. The crack line from the break remains visible as a hairline, and there is some areas of missing glaze in this section. Request A Condition Report, Request A Condition Report

Estimate:£400

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