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    • Posts Tagged ‘John ffrench’

    JOHN FFRENCH CERAMICS AT WHYTE’S AUTUMN ONLINE SALE

    Sunday, October 18th, 2026

    John Ffrench (1928-2010) – PINCH POT ICE CREAM BOWLS, 2008

    This set of five hand painted ceramics by John Ffrench is at Whytes autumn online art auction which runs until October 19. They are all signed and dated on the underside. The estimate is €1,000-€1,500. Known for his use of bright colours and unusual shapes John Ffrench was instrumental in the design industry in Ireland setting up the Ring Ceramic Studio in Kilkenny with Peter Brennan in 1956. He was closely involved with Kilkenny Design and the establishment of Arklow Studio Pottery (1962-9).  His work is acclaimed and is included in the collection of the National Museum of Ireland.

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    TIMED ONLINE PICTURE SALE AT ADAM’S

    Saturday, July 11th, 2026

    A silkscreen print by John Ffrench (1928-2010) at Adams. UPDATE: THIS MADE 460 AT HAMMER

    The timed online picture sale at Adam’s which ends from 11 am on July 14 offers a highly affordable selection of everything from pencil drawings by Mainie Jellett and prints by Anne Madden and Alice Maher to mixed media and charcoal works by Barrie Cooke and  a lithograph by Tony O’Malley.  The sale kicks off with a selection from  Swedish born ceramicist, sculptor, graphic artist and designer Marianne Agren McElroy (1926-2006), an original creative voice in the Ireland of the 1950’s, ’60’s and ’70’s.  Auction estimates range from €50 to €5,000. The silkscreen print by John Ffrench illustrated here has an estimate of €200-€400. Many lots are offered without a reserve. 

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    A PIONEER OF CONTEMPORARY CERAMICS IN IRELAND

    Saturday, September 5th, 2015
    No less than ten pieces by John ffrench (1928-2010) – the great pioneer of contemporary ceramics in Ireland – come up at a house auction at Lifford, Co. Donegal tomorrow. The ten pieces to be sold are from the collection of Albert and Eva Johnson, The Diamond, Lifford, Co. Donegal.  They are to be included in a house sale by Matthews of over 500 lots.   About 25 pieces of Irish ceramic as well as a good selection of antique furniture, art and collectibles including a pair of Irish silver Celtic Revival bowls will come under the hammer.
    John ffrench studied in Italy for four years and returned to set up the Ring Studio in Kilkenny with Peter Brennan in 1956. He began to create sculptural, experimental pots inspired by the Cubism of Picasso and Braque, unlike any previously seen in this country. In the 1950’s mass produced and imported work was standard in Ireland.  The country had virtually no craft pottery tradition. ffrench founded the Arklow Studio Pottery, was closely involved with Kilkenny studios and exhibited at the Waddington Gallery in Dublin. His work is included in the permanent collection at the Crawford Gallery.

    Four ceramic bowls by John ffrench (50-80 each).

    Four ceramic bowls by John ffrench (50-80 each).

    John ffrench wall charger with blue bird motif (100-150).

    John ffrench wall charger with blue bird motif (100-150).

    John ffrench unique hand painted egg (40-70).

    John ffrench unique hand painted egg (40-70).

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