Featured
1980
Earthenware
A recreation of a long-lost pot belonging to the late Adrian Knowles, Isobel’s grandfather, who generously contributed to the purchase of a kiln. Maureen describes this and the Unicorn Pot as the “two best pots I’ve ever made” in a letter to Mr Knowles.
1987, Earthenware
This work was created for the late Adrian Knowles. Maureen describes this one and the Alligator Pot as her “two best pots I’ve ever made” in a letter to Mr Knowles. She says "I had to learn how to draw horses (they're such a funny shape) to be able to paint this one, which accounts for its legs being somewhat out of kilter." She said of the peacocks, "They were a bit dull so I slapped some real gold lustre on them (18 carat I suppose) and brightened them up a bit." And a PS, " The pot is made of some very special white clay I had made up by the manufacturer. It's the first pot EVER fired from it."
1989, Earthenware
Many images of butterflies can be found across different pieces of Maureen’s work. These butterflies are laid out almost like an entomologist’s case, each one based on a real species of butterfly.
c. 1986, Earthenware
Indicative of many decorated serving bowls made with elaborate bases.
1988, Earthenware
Maureen loved painting people and families. There are many significant pieces she made over the years that are painted from photographs of people grouped together in a pose. These family moments made permanent as ceramic objects gives them gravitas.
1982
Earthenware
Maureen described these as being very difficult to create. A great lot of effort went into matching top to bottom and ensuring they fit together despite the shrinking that happens upon drying and firing clay.
c. 1982, Porcelein
This bowl was one of a series created at art school once she was finally let loose creatively. Up until this point, students were strictly educated in conservative ceramic skills. Maureen wanted to make something as flamboyant and unrestricted as possible and poured all of her pent up ideas and enthusiasm into these pots.
1988, Earthenware
This candlestick has lived in our home for decades. A favourite at dinner parties and during blackouts.
1998-2001
Made for Isobel’s 21st birthday. A fantastical sailing ship setting sail safely into life.
2012, Earthenware
A birthday gift for Isobel. This figure is likely a Greek goddess - probably Athena, goddess of warfare and wisdom as well as handicraft, courage, inspiration, mathematics, and strength amongst other things. Maureen loved Greek mythology.
2014, Earthenware
Maureen was incredibly well read. Her library was vast and eclectic. She was often inspired by stories she read. It’s not known which Tolstoy work she was thinking of—if anyone has ideas, please write them in the book.
2014, Earthenware
To compliment the underwater wonder of the Life and Times of the Humble Sardine Maureen created this series of coral-like candlesticks called Reef. From the 2014 exhibition Connecting Threads at CEMA (Portland Arts Centre).
2014, Earthenware
To compliment the underwater wonder of the Life and Times of the Humble Sardine Maureen created this series of coral-like candlesticks called Reef. From the 2014 exhibition Connecting Threads at CEMA (Portland Arts Centre).
2014, Earthenware
Maureen created many little figures holding candles. As with the bottle people, a crowd would sit on a table at a market or in a shop waiting to be discovered as the spitting image of a friend or family member.