Chimney vases, coffin vases, spice jars and marmalade pots – just a few of the evocative names that are associated with one of Cornwall's most distinctive studio potteries, the Troika Pottery.
Founded in 1963 by three men, Leslie Illsley, Benny Sirota and Jan Thompson, the Troika Pottery was always going to be different. With backgrounds that ranged from architecture to sculpture and mould-making, Troika's founders were determined to give a new face to studio pottery.
A New Face For Studio Pottery
Sirota and Illsley were the creative forces of the pottery, and they firmly believed in the idea that pottery too could be created for purely artistic reasons – very much contrary to the studio pottery ethos of the time (epitomised by Bernard Leach), which held that function should not be sacrificed for artistic form.
In the years that followed, Troika's distinctive ranges become extremely successful, selling in London department stores such as Heals and Liberty, as well as from the pottery's shop in St Ives, Cornwall.
Moulded, Yet Unique
Troika's wares were virtually all made in moulds, before being individually hand-glazed and decorated – breaking with the tradition that studio pottery could not be mass-produced. The creativity and talent of Troika's decorators means that no two pieces were ever painted the same, and a wide choice remains available today for collectors to choose from.
Today, most Troika collectors seek the rough-textured wares that are so distinctive and unique to Troika – but in truth it was their predecessors, a more fragile and rare range of smooth-glazed wares that were closest to Sirota's and Illsley's hearts.
Troika's smooth-glazed wares were harder to make, and never quite achieved the same success with the public, resulting in far more limited production volumes. Today, these pieces are amongst the rarest examples of Troika, and are keenly sought-after by some collectors, but shunned by others.
Take The Rough With The Smooth
In truth, whether your preference is for Troika's rough-textured or smooth-glazed wares, it makes a distinctive and unique addition to any studio pottery collection. Troika pottery closed in 1983, but collectors can still find a wide range of pieces for sale on the internet and at antique fairs. Look out in particular for early (pre-1970) pieces, which are marked on the base with "St Ives" – missing from later pieces, which were produced in Newlyn.
Perfect Pieces specialises in British pottery from the last 100 years, and has an extensive selection of Troika Pottery for sale.
We also offer a comprehensive database of Troika Pottery Marks, as well as a guide to recent Troika sale prices. Please visit the Perfect Pieces website for more information.
Source: www.articledashboard.com
