Richard Godfrey, fantastic earthenware studio pottery teapot, c1990

Size:  Maximum height (to end of spout) 13 cm, width of base 18 cm.  Would supply 2 mugs or 4 cups of tea.

Condition: Excellent condition, no chips cracks or restoration. Light clean crazing overall as expected.

This superb piece may look whacky but it is actually very practical, with a wide base, nice balance, a lid which will stay put when pouring and an ergonomically efficient handle.  We actually saw Richard Godfrey so a demonstration of making a similar teapot about the time this one was made, and he emphasised that making a teapot is a particular challenge for a potter because it needs to be practical in all respects.

Godfrey's airbrushed colours were a result of many years of glaze experimentation, and his painted patterns were synthesised from his observation of natural history.

The teapot has Richards painted signature on the base.

Richard Godfrey (1949 – 13 December 2014) made ceramics in his studio at Battisborough Cross, Devon England.  He graduated from Bristol School of Art in 1972 having been taught by Gillian Lowndes.  From 1973 to 1981 he was Head of Art and Deputy Headmaster at Battisborough International School, Devon, which was founded by Kurt Hahn. Having set up his first workshop, he made production thrown ware for Cranks restaurant. Godfrey was a fellow of the Craft Potters Association and known primarily for his brightly coloured earthenware pottery which used composite underglaze patterns.  He won the Bronze award at the European Ceramics Competition in Athens 2004 and at the Art in Clay festival in 2013 he was voted winner of the Valentine Clays Peers Award for best contribution to the festival. He lectured, demonstrated and exhibited widely and was the subject of two television documentaries.

Godfrey's work combined thrown and hand built forms made with white earthenware clay, inspired by observing his surroundings and found objects.  Potter Hannah McAndrew described his work as "bright beasts, immaculately made, vibrant and smiling”.