The Attenborough Collection explores Picasso’s evolving relationship with ceramics at the Madoura Pottery in Vallauris in Southern France, from 1946 onwards. Here, Picasso utilised existing popular forms, including plates, jugs and tiles, but he also modelled or designed new forms which combined aspects of painting and sculpture through the medium of ceramics. Suzanne Ramie was thrilled to have the name of Picasso associated with her pottery, asking the artist if she could sell examples of his work. The idea was to replicate Picasso’s designs in a series of “editions”, sold mainly as art but on some occasions, purchased for everyday use. Picasso liked the notion that visitors to the Pottery would be able to buy editions of his work at a low cost, so he agreed.

The exhibition, which is curated by renowned Picasso expert Dr. Marilyn McCully, captures the story behind Picasso’s fascination with ceramics.