Lucie Rie
Born 1902 – Died 1995
Rie was born in Vienna, Austria. After training at the city’s Kunstgewerbeschule, she forged a successful early career in Vienna. In 1938, she moved to England to escape Nazi persecution, settling in London. During the Second World War, Rie produced ceramic buttons, before gradually returning to making her characteristic bowls, vases and bottles. Although her work was initially at odds with the prevailing pottery trend in Britain, dominated by Bernard Leach’s rustic approach, Rie established a reputation as one of the most significant potters of the 20th century. She was awarded a Damehood in 1991.
Exhibitions
Lucie Rie: The Adventure of Pottery
This major exhibition celebrated one of the most significant potters of the twentieth century, offering a rare opportunity to experience Lucie Rie’s (1902–1995) ground-breaking practice. The first survey of her pottery in the UK in over 20 years, Lucie Rie: The Adventure of Pottery featured more than 100 works, including bowls, vases, tableware and buttons.
Find Out More
Lucie Rie in the Kettle’s Yard House
Who was Lucie Rie?
Lucie Rie is the subject of our new exhibition Lucie Rie: The Adventure of Pottery. But who was Lucie Rie?
Contemporary Ceramics in Cambridge
Here is a short guide to some of the makers and spaces which make up the contemporary ceramics scene in and around Cambridge, as recommended by Kettle’s Yard, put together by Assistant Curator (Projects) Naomi Polonsky.
