A beautiful and highly distinctive vintage studio pottery vase by British potter Humfrey Wakefield, handmade on the Isles of Scilly, England.
This small sculptural vase has a wonderful rounded, almost pear-shaped body rising to a narrow neck with an organically pinched and shaped rim.
The glaze is particularly striking: a deep smoky olive-black ground with areas of silvery blue, bronze, gold and subtle purple iridescence that change according to the light. Its highly reflective surface gives the piece an almost metallic quality and makes it a lovely example of post-war British studio pottery.
The underside carries Wakefield’s characteristic circular mark:
“Made by hand – Isles of Scilly” with the HW monogram to the centre.
Humfrey Wakefield was an archaeologist and potter who established his pottery on St Mary’s in the Isles of Scilly. His interest in archaeology and ancient Greek pottery influenced his approach to ceramic form and construction. Contemporary biographical material records that he made his own potter’s wheel and worked as a potter for more than 50 years.
A wonderfully tactile little vessel with considerable character — equally appealing to collectors of British studio ceramics or simply as a sculptural decorative object in a contemporary interior.
Approximate dimensions:
Height: 14 cm Maximum width: approx. 10–11 cm
Maker: Humfrey Wakefield Pottery: Isles of Scilly Pottery Origin: St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly, England Material: Ceramic / studio pottery Finish: Iridescent glazed Period: Vintage 20th century Mark: HW / Made by hand / Isles of Scilly
Condition
Good vintage condition overall. The irregularity of the shaped mouth appears consistent with the handmade nature and design of the vessel. There are small firing/glaze irregularities and signs associated with handmade studio pottery, visible in the photographs. Please study all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description.