We are pleased to present ‘Clive Bowen at 80’, our first solo exhibition of Clive’s work. This year marks his 80th birthday, and the exhibition is a celebration of his slip-decorated earthenware pots.

Clive’s traditional country style pots are decorated with a sparse but fluid and vigorous trailing of the slip, in free-flowing abstract or stylised patterns incorporating combing and sgraffito. They are designed for use and to bring joy and life to meals shared with loved ones.

The exhibition features a range of domestic ware, including large serving platters and dishes, storage jars, jugs, teapots, tea caddies, mugs, plates and bowls. The palette of slips used features honey yellows, rich browns and soft creams, with occasional flashes of vivid green.

Initially studying painting at Cardiff College of Art, Clive went on to train as an apprentice with Michael Leach at the Yelland Pottery in 1965 and also worked alongside Michael Cardew at Wenford Bridge, before setting up his own pottery, Shebbear in North Devon in 1971, where he continues to work today.

Clive has a strong connection with Japan, having had a solo exhibition at the Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art in 2009, and being one of the first potters invited on to the Mashiko Museum Residency Programme in 2015. Clive is highly regarded as one of Britain’s finest studio potters and his work is widely exhibited both in the UK and abroad.

The exhibition runs in the Leach Pottery Entrance Gallery.
All works for sale.