Product Details

Hand built, press mould plate, earthenware, tin-glazed Maiolica.

Size approx: 24 x 24 x 2cm (9.4 x 9.4 x 0.8 inches)

Description: Inspired by the paintings of 17th century Spanish royalty by Diego Velázquez 

PLATING UP

‘To create a sort of retrospective in plates’ is how we put an invitation to our long-time collaborator Michaela Gall. 

The initial idea for the collection was greatly inspired by the Hynton Nel exhibition; This plate is what I have to say at Charleston farmhouse earlier this year. This seminal show saw the contemporary South African artist-potter look back on 60 years of practice through the lens of his iconic plates.

Hynton Nel in his old studio  © Hylton Nel, courtesy Stevenson, Cape Town, Johannesburg and Amsterdam; photograph: Marc Barben

It immediately made us think of Michaela Gall who, for many years, has also used the form of plates as a kind of diary; documenting events, travel, history and everyday imagery in glazes on the surfaces of pottery. 

Our wish was for Michaela to create a series of plates celebrating her unique style and cultural interests. It’s a fascinating mixture; from her love of Afghanistan, contemporary events such as the Coronation and the Olympics, pomegranates, road signs, poetry and, of course, the Tudors with Gall’s celebrated Ruff Plates. 

It’s a magical tour of the artist’s viewpoint and a collection we are really proud to showcase this year.