RODNEY LAWRENCE
Having studied Philosophy at East Anglia University, Rodney worked for a short time as a porter at a London Auction House. In 1974 he trained as a potter at Harrow School of Art, and then as a workshop assistant with David Leach.
In 1975 Rodney joined Elizabeth Raeburn to set up their workshop in Somerset, where he has been working ever since.
His work has been exhibited in museums and galleries in the UK and abroad, and in recent years he has concentrated on private commissions. These have ranged from small dishes to fireplace surrounds, and from pieces commissioned by the film director John Schlesinger to commemorate the premières of his films, to others depicting building restoration projects, people’s lifetime achievements, family celebrations or just special presents.
QUOTES ABOUT RODNEY'S WORK
"He is particularly known for his figurative decoration in sgraffito, full of the potter's humour and warmth.
This work has overtones of narrative Renaissance Italian and Spanish pottery and the whimsy of early Staffordshire flatbacks, while his fluently trailed pieces recall the energy of the slipware tradition. Lawrence is a perceptive commentator on modern life and one of the most humane of contemporary makers."
David Whiting - Art critic, writer, and curator
"His unique style is instantly recognisable and frequently entertaining, his pieces combining quirky decoration with function.
His work is held in museum collections, and owned and much loved by many private collectors."
Mary Gryspeerdt - Museum curator
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS
Galerie Besson, London
Bankside Gallery, London
Bluecoat Display Centre, Liverpool
Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum
Contemporary Ceramics Centre, La Bourne, France
Glastonbury Abbey Museum
Glastonbury Rural Life Museum
An archive of Galerie Besson's website, including images from many of the exhibitions, is available here.
INTERNATIONAL EVENTS
Porvoo, Finland “International Ceramics Exhibition-IRIS”
East Sydney Technical College, Australia (lecture)
Ascham School, Sydney, Australia (artist in residence)