Lucie Rie - Modernist Potter

Lucie Rie, a renowned potter of the 20th century, is explored in depth through interviews, letters, and the analysis of her elegant, modernist vessels in this biography. Emmanuel Cooper, a distinguished potter who knew Rie, gained unrestricted access to previously unpublished letters and material, providing new insights into her life and work. The book is considered a precious gift and a definitive account of her career.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 344 pages
Publication date: 28 January 2022
Publisher: Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art

Lucie Rie, a renowned 20th-century potter, left an indelible mark on the art world with her exceptional talent and enigmatic persona. Her journey, spanning from 1902 to 1995, is explored through a series of interviews, letters, and a meticulous analysis of her elegant and modernist vessels. Emmanuel Cooper, a distinguished potter who had the privilege of knowing Rie, conducted extensive interviews with her friends and acquaintances to compile this comprehensive and meticulously researched account of her life and work. The author was granted unrestricted access to previously unpublished letters and other materials, offering invaluable insights into Rie's life and artistic endeavors. This biography not only sheds light on her creative process but also places her work within the broader context of modernism and the emergence of the studio pottery movement in Britain.

Lucie Rie's life was marked by her unwavering dedication to her craft. Born in 1902 in Czechoslovakia, she displayed a natural talent for pottery from a young age. She studied at the School of Applied Arts in Prague and later at the Royal College of Art in London, where she honed her skills and developed her unique style.

Rie's work was characterized by its simplicity, elegance, and modernist aesthetic. She believed in the power of form and function, and her vessels were designed to be both beautiful and practical. Her pieces were often adorned with intricate patterns and delicate glaze treatments, creating a sense of depth and texture that was truly captivating.

Despite her success, Rie remained somewhat elusive and enigmatic throughout her career. She preferred to work in isolation, rarely giving interviews or allowing visitors to her studio. This solitude allowed her to fully immerse herself in her craft and explore new artistic directions.

One of the most significant aspects of Rie's legacy is her influence on the studio pottery movement in Britain. She was one of the first potters to establish a studio in her own home, and her work paved the way for other artists to follow suit. Her emphasis on the importance of the studio and the individual artist's creative process influenced a generation of potters who sought to break away from the traditional guild system and forge their own paths.

Rie's work also had a profound impact on the broader art world. Her modernist aesthetic and her commitment to simplicity and functionality influenced many artists across different mediums. Her pieces were exhibited in prestigious galleries and museums worldwide, and her influence can be seen in the work of artists such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Frank Lloyd Wright.

In conclusion, Lucie Rie's life and legacy are a testament to the power of art and the enduring impact of an artist's vision. Her exceptional talent, combined with her enigmatic persona, has left an indelible mark on the art world. Through her work, she challenged traditional notions of pottery and inspired a generation of artists to pursue their own creative paths. Rie's legacy will continue to be celebrated and admired for generations to come.

Weight: 880g
Dimension: 161 x 235 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913107307