Timeless 20th Century Ceramics
Timeless 20th Century Ceramics
Troika is the name of an art pottery that was founded in Cornwall in February 1962 by Leslie Illsley, Jan Thompson and Benny Sirota. They took over the Powell and Wells Pottery at Wheal Dream in St. Ives (where Sirota had previously worked as a decorator) and aimed to focus on the artistic qualities of pottery rather than merely its functionality. The name originates from the Russian word meaning "a set of three", and reflected the union of the three founders, but also honoured Sirota's grandfather who escaped from Russia dressed as a woman on a troika, a sledge pulled by three horses.
The Troika Pottery was situated perfectly in a fashionable holiday destination and benefited from the patronage of summer tourists, but their pieces also sold very successfully through department stores such as Heals and Liberty in London and the popularity of the distinctive ware grew and grew. Tiles and wall plaques were some of the earliest items produced, but vases, lamp bases and table wares quickly followed, all made using plaster moulds. They had two distinct ranges, the rough textured wares and the smooth glazed wares, but the over-riding characteristics were the muted palette of seascape-inspired colours and the coastline-inspired shapes. As such, the pieces have retained an aesthetic relevance and look fresh and ageless.
In 1970 the pottery moved to Fragden Place in Newlyn and after 10 years, Benny Sirota left the business. Sales declined until the business closed in 1983.
Pieces of Troika often feature on television antiques' programmes, and they certainly pass through auction regularly. Once supply ceased, prices rose and then there was a period a few years ago where forgers tried to cash-in on the demand and this brought nervousness to the market, so prices fell for a while. Values have fluctuated over the years since, but have levelled off recently meaning Troika remains attainable to collectors looking for sensible investment, whilst the rarest pieces still command high prices.
James Bassam, specialist valuer at TW Gaze Diss Auction Rooms, has several lots of Troika in his next Modern Design sale, to be held on17th July. From a private collection, they include pieces with rugged, no-nonsense shape-names such as chimney, wheel, cube, slab and coffin vases, and are monogrammed by artists such as Linda Taylor, Marilyn Pascoe, Ann Jones, Vicky Drew, Honor Curtis, Alison Brigden and Simone Kilburn. Values range between £60 and £120.
Meanwhile in the same sale are several lots of Swedish pottery miniatures. Mainly vases, pots and bowls, they illustrate one important strand of Swedish art pottery production that was contemporary with Troika. The man credited with launching a fascination for miniature pieces is artist Berndt Friberg, who worked at the Gustavsberg Pottery from 1934 until 1981. He drew inspiration from traditional Chinese and Japanese ceramics in terms of form and size (just a few centimetres tall), and he finished the pieces with his own unique glazes. Again, these exquisite works appear timeless, much as their Oriental precedents do. Friberg in turn inspired fellow potters at Gustavsberg such as Stig Lindberg and Lisa Larson, and the art form spread to other factories. The examples in this auction are again from a single-owner collection and as well as including a sample of pot by both Lindberg and Larson, there are miniature examples by Gunnar Nyland (1904 - 1997) and Carl Harry Stalhane (1920 - 1990) for the Rorstrand Pottery; Yngve Blixt (1920 - 1981) for the Hoganas Pottery, Arne Safstrom (1907 - 1990), John Anderson (1899 - 1969), Gunnar Borg (1926 - 2007) and Bertil Lundgren (b. 1934). Estimates are very reasonable, with small groups expected to fetch from £25 - 120, depending on artist and pattern. They are very endearing, exquisite works of art, and represent the perfect collectable for those with limited space.
This fascinating, intriguing and colourful auction is exciting to behold. Why not visit the Auction Rooms to drink in the experience? You can also meet sale organiser James and mix with fellow enthusiasts. Cafe 1857 will be open for refreshments, too.
The catalogue and all the sale details can be found here
