English Ceramic Vase Troika Avril Bennett Geometric Patterns 20th Century

Rectangular vase called Chimney (gourd or flask shaped) in polychrome Troika* ceramic by Avril Bennett, decorated with geometric patterns, from England, from the 1960s-70s 20th century. This vase is in good general condition. Signed underneath. Note: a crack at the neck (see red arrows), light soiling and wear of time, see photos. * Troika ceramics is a pottery production that appeared in the 1960s in St Ives (Cornwall), in the southwest of England. These creations by a group of potters quickly became distinguished by a geometric formal repertoire and rough glazes with Celtic accents. The Troika group was created in February 1963 by Leslie Illsley, Benny Sirota, and Jan Thompson. They wanted to continue their approach to essentially artistic pottery, without concern for function. This approach went against the grain of most ceramicists at the time, and the teachings of Bernard Leach, who himself resided in St Ives. As such, the Troika group represented a major break with the establishment. Initially located on the seafront in St Ives from 1963 to 1970, the Troika pottery moved in 1970 to Newlyn, in the far south of Cornwall, where it closed in 1983. Despite the hostility of local ceramicists, the company quickly achieved strong media and critical success, relying on both summer tourist sales and contracts with department stores such as Heal's in London. Dimensions: 11.5 cm x 4.3 cm Height: 20 cm Reference: 500 892 All photos are on: www.antiques-delaval.com