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Rectangular vase called Cheminée (gourd or flask shaped) in polychrome Troika* ceramic by Avril Bennett, decorated with geometric patterns, from England, from the 1960s-70s 20th century.
This vase is in good overall condition. Signed underneath.
Please note: a crack at the neck (see red arrows), slight soiling and wear from time, see photos.
is a pottery production that emerged in the 1960s in St Ives (Cornwall), southwest England. These creations by a group of potters quickly became distinguished by a geometric formal repertoire and rough glazes with Celtic accents. The Troika group was created in February 1963 by Leslie Illsley, Benny Sirota, and Jan Thompson. They wanted to pursue their approach of essentially artistic pottery, without concern for function. This approach went against the grain of most ceramists of the time, and the teachings of Bernard Leach, who himself resided in St Ives. As such, the Troika group represented a major break with the establishment. Initially located on the seafront at St Ives from 1963 to 1970, Troika Pottery moved in 1970 to Newlyn, in the far south of Cornwall, where it closed in 1983. Despite hostility from local potters, the company quickly achieved strong media and critical success, relying on both summer tourist sales and contracts with department stores such as Heal's in London.
