The Journey of a Dame Lucie Rie Bowl | From Discovery to Record Sale

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When instructed to conduct the valuation of the late John and Collette Lewington, we were met with a plethora of wonderful ceramics including names such as Peter Beard, David Leach, and Duncan Ross. The most significant piece of the collection was to be found willing on top of a wardrobe – a Dame Lucie Rie bowl. The yellow glaze was to be seen behind a collection of assorted cups and saucers. Unaware of its presence, we were delighted to inform the vendor of its significance, current popularity and associated value.

The bowl possess several iconic features of Dame Lucie Rie’s works. The footed form, the fine nature of the body, and the bright yellow glaze contrasted with the manganese rim. Offered with a conservative pre-sale estimate of £8,000-12,000, it sold for £32,500 inc. fees.

^{Dame Lucie Rie (Austrian, 1902-1995) a porcelain bowl (£32,500)}

Dame Lucie Rie’s hailed from Austria, where her creative journey began. She would go on to become one of the most renowned names connected with the studio ceramics movement. Under Ludwig Powolny's tutelage, Rie was introduced to pottery at the Vienna Kunstgewerbeschule (School for Arts and Crafts). Her name first entered public life on receipt of a prize at the 1935 Brussels International Exhibition. Followed quickly by recognition at both the 1936 Milan Triennial and 1937 Paris International Exhibition.

^{Dame Lucie Rie (Austrian, 1902-1995) a porcelain bowl (£32,500)}

Being raised in a Jewish household, she fled to London in 1938, opening a studio in Albion Mews the following year. The post-war period bought a historically significant partnership when the German Hans Coper was hired. Their relationship was likely strengthened by their shared experience of each having to flee their homeland, they retained a lifelong friendship. In addition to being instrumental to Coper’s journey into ceramics, Rie taught at Camberwell School of Art from 1960-1971.

^{Dame Lucie Rie (Austrian, 1902-1995) a porcelain bowl (£32,500)}

Her practical approach to her work juxtaposed her contemporaries and helped forge a new wave of studio ceramics. Her delicate use of form facilitated a journey into Modernism which typified her output. In addition, the sgraffito technique has become synonymous with her work, now seen as a desirable characteristic.

Later in her life, her achievements were rewarded with an OBE, followed by a CBE, finally becoming a Dame in 1991. Rie continued to work into her late eighties and passed away at her 18 Albion Mews home in 1995. She has left an indelible mark on the history of studio ceramics and it has resulted in an insatiable desire for her work, which is represented in numerous museums, institutions and significant private collections.

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