Colin Pearson

A lovely example of a Colin Pearson vase at The Allen Gallery, Alton

Early (1967) work by Colin Pearson, the glaze and style very like the Aylesford pieces he did with David Leach.

Colin Pearson actually ran his own Quay Pottery in the High Street Aylesford from 1955-84. He did a lot of similar work to the above. His domestic stuff can still be picked up quite cheaply on Ebay. The 'Winged' work being an entirely different matter of course!
Are the photos above from the Michael Casson book?

Yes. Published 1967. Lots of well known names but some I haven't heard of. Doesn't have any marks however.

It was probably the first really decent book with illustrations on British Studio Pottery. What is actually suprising is how many names in that book grew quite famous.
Bot others sadly,are quite anonymous now.
Standard work for marks of course is YATES-OWEN & FOURNIER.
BRITISH STUDIO POTTERS MARKS. Which has virtually everyone.

philpot wrote:Colin Pearson actually ran his own Quay Pottery in the High Street Aylesford from 1955-84.

I suspect that you got these dates from the Yates-Owen/Fournier book but 1955 isn't correct. It was 1955 until late 1961 that he ran the pottery up at the Priory and moved down into the village (the Quay Pottery) late 1961 and started producing there in early 1962.

That will teach me to be lazy!
The Guardian obituary is quite a useful source of information.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/culture/2007/dec/20/obituaries.mainsection

I think Colin Pearson is seriously underestimated in his influence as a teacher. Many of the eminent potters who went through the Camberwell and Harrow Pottery courses spoke very highly of him.

What it should teach you is that British Studio Potters Marks is not a very good source of information.


I did meet Colin on several occasions towards the end of his life and he did appear to be a nice bloke and generous with his time.

And here we have a nice little number in pink, which I sold some time ago!



Note his personal seal near the base.

The one below is from my own collection: -



It was purchased for quite a modest price as well.

That's a beauty

Indeed. Getting it from the back on the cabinet to photograph has made me fall in love with it all over again. I did originally buy it to re-sell but just occasionally I can't bear to do that.

I don't blame you for keeping it! It's the best example of his work I've "seen".

I'm envious of that lovely winged pot too. One day! Until then I shall enjoy my pair of Colin's standard ware bowls - as pointed out, quite cheap on ebay but wonderful quality for all that.

Colin Pearson bowl with handle.

Unusual Pearson Ashtray with the British Petroleum logo.

Mark on production work.

Mark on winged work.
This from an early 80's 'Teapot' which is one of my favourite pieces.

lamp base 5" high