22 June 2018 – 3 November 2019

As one of the most respected potters of the 20th century, Dame Lucie Rie (1902-1995) was known for her finely thrown and beautifully decorated functional domestic ceramics.

She emigrated to the UK during the Second World War and began producing ceramic buttons for the fashion industry, after spotting a gap in the market as many British button factories had been requisitioned for the War effort.

This exhibition at the Centre of Ceramic Art (CoCA), York Art Gallery highlights this less well known area of her practice, displaying hundreds of her beautiful buttons alongside many examples of domestic wares she became celebrated for.

There are also pieces on display from the significant people in Lucie’s life. Those people include Hans Coper, one of the émigré potters Lucie employed, to Bernard Leach, a leading authority on studio pottery who Lucie turned to for advice.

To see some of the fascinating work on display, take a look at the images below:

Please note: we’ll be making some exciting changes to this exhibition from 21-23 May which may cause some disruption. We apologise for any inconvenience this might cause.

Latest News

1. York Art Gallery gifted new painting by Dame Laura Knight, thanks to the Friends of York Art Gallery
2. ‘This is England’ ceramic Charger to go on display at York Art Gallery
3. York Museums Trust announces move of CEO Reyahn King to a new post at National Trust for Scotland
4. York Museums Trust respond to comments around LGBTQIA+ inclusive event
5. Beyond Bloomsbury: Life, Love, and Legacy

Keep in Touch

Sign up to our Mailing List here