Stoneware Square Platter with Hand Painted Decoration
PotterMade by
Michael O'Brien
(born 1930)
StudentTaught by
Michael Cardew
(Wimbledon, London, England, 1901 - 1983)
CollectorCollected by
Sandy Dunbar
(London, England, 1929 - 2012)
Datec. 1998
Object NamePlatter
Mediumstoneware, iron brown, tenmoku, chun and slip glazes
ClassificationsCeramics
DimensionsOverall (Height x Width x Depth): 46 x 303 x 303 mm,
AcquisitionThe Sandy Dunbar Studio Ceramics Collection presented in 2023 by Crinan Dunbar and Rebecca Russell.
Copyright© Michael O'Brien
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS095708.357
About MeStoneware slab built square platter with broad border and recessed square centre. The platter stands on an integral square base with moulded feet at each corner.
It is glazed all over in a pale olive green, tenmoku and chun glaze with pale blue centre and decorated with alternating bands around the borders. The central recess is decorated with two hand painted plant motifs and the underside is also decorated with a central hand painted motif of three stylised daisy flowers with four leaves.
Michael OBrien trained originally as a painter and with a developing interest in pottery he went to Nigeria in 1963 to learn from Michael Cardew. When Cardew retired, he stayed on and was employed by the Nigerian Government to run the Abuja Pottery. He returned to England in In 1973 to work at the Wenford Bridge Pottery, running it in Cardew’s absence. Six years later he returned to Nigeria to teach in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria where he inspired several influential Nigerian potters. In 1985 OBrien, with four others, started the Maraba Pottery near Kaduna with the aim of simplifying modern ceramics production.
OBrien eventually returned to England, settling in Surrey.
