Mary Wondrausch

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Mary Wondrausch's 'painterly' later work is some of the best modern slipware that has been made.

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a wonderful chalice (communion cup)

exciting day for hubby today - Mary Wondrausch came into his book shop and apparently wants to sell some books.

 

Can you get her to sign them?

Not sure what the books are yet, he's going to view them next Monday. He said Mary was real character.

http://www.wattsgallery.org.uk/exhibition/special-exhibition/2013/10/24/mary-wondrausch-obe-90-her-life-her-pots-and-her-paintings

There is currently an exhibition of Mary's work at the Watts Gallery in Compton. If you've never been to this very special place, do go, and also make the small detour to Mary Seton Watts chapel in Compton (it's a tour de force of Arts & Crafts design).

just a small selection of the Mary Wondrausch exhibition at Compton, Surrey.







and Mary Seton Watts Chapel.

Very sad to report that Mary Wondrausch passed away this morning.

She was 95

Obituaries:

https://weststreetpotters.co.uk/2017/01/20/mary-wondrausch/

https://marshallcolman.blogspot.co.uk/2016/12/mary-wondrausch-1923-2016.html?m=1

There is currently an exhibition of her paintings at the Watts gallery that runs until Feb 19th. All pieces are for sale. She was a resident of Compton. Although I am a volunteer steward at the gallery I haven't viewed the exhibition yet so cannot give a review but it is in the visitor centre/shop so is free.

Anyone have any suggestions for the potter, please?

Ochre ground with slip decoration and slightly bawdy motto. Signed 'MV' (?) under handle; the only potter in Yates-Owen & Fournier with the same initials is Marion Valder who might fit location-wise but this jug doesn't really sound like something that she would have done if the description of her work is anything to go by. If nothing else, the motto sounds too 'blokey'. Plus, I would guess - judging by wear and glaze crazing - that this may be older than the 1990s.

Oh! Wow! Its Mary Wondrausch. Very jealous; always wanted one one of those.

Sadly she died on Boxing Day last year.

Ooh, thanks Naomi!

This large charger came from her recent Estate Sale. In her self published book BRICKFIELDS, there is a room photo with this  particular piece hanging on the wall. Nice momento of one our very best slipware potters

Popped to Watts Gallery to see her paintings. Unfortunately they were all sold and they were pretty much the best of the bunch.
Loved the pair of pottery gollies at Ewbanks auction but didn't put enough on them :(

is Watts Gallery worth a visit ?

Definitely :) They have an artist's studios area with shop, cafe and gallery. And the main house and gardens. We didn't have time to visit the main house.

The cemetery chapel is worth a visit on its own - and is free. Mary Wondrausch isn't really my thing but I was viewing the 20th century design sale that was on the day before and left a bid on a CSA vase that she must have owned. Won it at a good price - though their commission is on the high side.
Did you get anything Naomi ?

I got the job lot of studio pottery that I most wanted - I don't think there were any of Mary's pieces in it because it went relatively cheap :)

Was the CSA vase that tall cylindrical one with the sgraffito lady? Took some photos. It was beautiful, but not my thing. Was tempted by the set of Farnham owls but it was the little owl beaker on the end I really wanted.

No, about 11" high but no sgraffito ladies.