Rare Vintage Andrew McGarva Studio Pottery Fish & Sailing Ship Wall Plate

An incredibly special piece of British studio pottery by the highly regarded potter Andrew McGarva. This large decorative wall plate is beautifully hand decorated with a little sailing ship riding across blue waves at its centre, surrounded by a wonderful shoal of stylised fish in soft blues, warm ochre and earthy brown.

McGarva trained at Farnham College of Art before establishing his workshop at Wobage Farm in Herefordshire in 1979. His work draws deeply on the traditional slipware pottery of England, Wales and France, with his individually decorated pieces featuring animals, birds and other figurative motifs becoming particularly recognisable. In 1990 he moved to Burgundy, France, where he continued his practice making domestic stoneware, slipware and medieval-inspired tiles.

There is something almost folkloric about this piece,  the little ship, rolling sea and circling fish feel as though they belong to an old maritime tale. The skill in the decoration is just beautiful, and McGarva’s work has become increasingly sought after and collectible.

Dimensions;
Diameter: 25.5cm
Depth: 3cm