Carafe by John ffrench

Arklow Studio Pottery designed by John ffrench.

In 1962, the Arklow Pottery factory opened Arklow Studio Pottery as a space for its artists and craft makers to experiment and innovate. Under the direction of John ffrench, the Studio produced functional earthenware that was creative in its design and use of colour. The black and amber zebra-striped pattern on this carafe is one of ffrench’s most recognised designs. This earthenware carafe has a round cylindrical body with pouring rim on top. A maker's mark on underside states, 'J.FF. Arklow Studio Pottery'.

 Arklow Studio Pottery was a subsidiary of Arklow Pottery. Arklow Pottery was an Irish pottery company located in Arklow in Co. Wicklow. ffrench has been described as the pioneer of contemporary pottery in Ireland and was known for his bright colours and unusual shapes.

More Information
Arklow Pottery (date unknown) Welcome to Arklow Pottery Birthplace of Noritake Keltcraft and Arklow Earthenware, Porcelain, Bone Chine Tableware and Gift Ware. [Brochure for Guided Tour]
Irish Times, Contemporary ceramics pioneer known for brightly coloured creations, 6 February 2010. https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/people/contemporary-ceramics-pioneer-known-for-brightly-coloured-creations-1.618837 [Accessed 30/01/2024]
Kaj Franck, Erik Herlow, Ake Huldt, Gunnar Biilmann Petersen, Erik Chr. Sorensen, 'Design in Ireland : report of the Scandinavian Design Group in Ireland, April 1961', [report], Córas Tráchtála / The Irish Export Board, 1961-04, pp 19 – 26. Available at: http://edepositireland.ie/handle/2262/77735 [Accessed 30/01/2024]
'Keeping Arklow Pottery designs up-to-date', Evening Herald, 20 Nov. 1962. P.4. column 1-2
Lamb, Peter (2007) “A Life of Colour – Essay”, In A life of Colour – John Ffrench Irish Ceramic Artist – A Retrospective Exhibition 1951-2007, Craft Council Ireland, National Craft Gallery (2007) pp 6-20,
Whitty, Audrey. “Arklow Pottery.” Irish Arts Review (2002-), vol. 20, no. 1, 2003, pp. 122–26, http://www.jstor.org/stable/25502923. Accessed 26 Apr. 2022.
Whitty A. - Arklow Pottery Medieval Pottery Research group, P.2
Interview with Patrick Kenny - One of the Original Modellers for the Arklow Pottery, 26th Jan. 2002 (Conducted by Audrey Whitty, National Museum of Ireland)