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.