LONDON.- Maak announced the presentation of the latest auction of contemporary ceramics. The auction includes a substantial selection from the collection of the late Dr. Anne-Carole Chamier and will hold a gallery viewing 22 - 25 May.

The Chamier collection is largely representative of British studio and craft ceramics of the 1970s and 1980s. Much of the collection draws from the Leach tradition of early English slipware and oriental ceramics, illustrated by important works by Bernard Leach and his family. However, the collection also includes works by Lucie Rie, Ewen Henderson and Gordon Baldwin, who owe more to Continental influences and sculptural concepts. All however retain an adherence to the vessel form - where a reference to the wheel or sense of utility formed a parameter for artistic expression and craftsmanship.

Dr Chamier actively collected between 1972 and 1992. Acquiring works either directly from the potter’s workshops or at gallery exhibitions in London and across the UK. A Biologist and Art Historian, Dr Chamier was a prolific writer on the subject and through her collecting forged close relationships with many of the potters who’s work she admired. A very personal collection inventory was created by Dr Chamier’s husband, documenting the works in the collection, but also the correspondence from potters and the articles written by Dr Chamier, offering a glimpse into the motivations behind the collection.

Amongst a number of seminal works by Bernard Leach from the Chamier Collection are the remarkable 1972 Vase with Cormorant design (Lot 22) and the iconic Pagoda Pot (Lot 21) with his trademark tenmoku and iron glaze. Richard Batterham was also well represented in the collection with three Lidded Jars (Lot 121 – 123) and the Tall Bottle, Lot 135.

A highlight of the collection is undoubtedly Lot 148 a fine large conical bowl by Lucie Rie, with the much admired sgraffito and inlay designs. Purchased in 1971 from a London gallery, this bow, as with the rest of the collection, was lived with and loved in the family home in Ross-shire, Scotland since the couple retired there in 1992. The family hope that the pots will go on to give others the same pleasure that they gave their mother.

Alongside the Dr Chamier collection are consignments from other international private collections. Two stunning celadon vessels by Sara Flynn have come from a private collector in Ireland, whilst three important porcelain works by the renowned ceramicist and sculptor Ruth Duckworth have been brought together from three different collections, one in Japan.

With the recent passing of the potter John Ward, Maak has taken special care in the selection of his works being offered in this auction, ensuring the 15 works presented reflect the range of his output whilst demonstrating the extraordinary rhythm that allows them to sit alongside each other with such poise.

With 412 lots, this is Maak’s largest and most wide ranging auction to date, demonstrating the buoyancy and high demand within this specialist market, and is the preeminent auction house and art consultancy dedicated to handling the very best in contemporary ceramics and craft. Established in 2009, Maak have been presenting regular auctions in London and through their online auction platform to a global audience for over a decade.