VIVIENNE FOLEY

VIVIENNE FOLEY is a ceramist with an international profile. Her Collector's pieces are renowned for their elegance and technical perfection. She pushes the boundaries of wheel thrown porcelain far beyond the traditional with unique forms and bespoke monochrome glazes. Her limited-edition bronzes cast from porcelain originals now extend the scope of her work to a new audience.

Aficionados include Heads of State and private patrons. Her work is in the White House, the royal households of Sweden and Saudi Arabia, the National Museum of Ireland, the Ulster Museum and several further museums in the UK as well as embassies, hotels and corporate headquarters worldwide.

The basis of her technique is classical wheel throwing and turning. She works clay with engineering precision, joining thinly made sections to attain height. It is most unusual to find these construction methods used with porcelain because of it’s high shrinkage and lack of plasticity. Vivienne's work is unique because she incorporates these difficult techniques and yet retains the finest qualities of the material.

In the early 1960's there was no graduate course in ceramics in the UK, so anyone interested in a career had to find an apprenticeship. However, Vivienne found both an informal studio and a bronze casting unit at Sir John Cass College, London. Under the inspired tutorship of Carol Stewart (later Masied) she quickly progressed from making hand-built pieces in stoneware to thrown work and a love of porcelain.

Her selling career started in late 1960's London when her work was discovered by Liberty & Co. Subsequently, she sold through their new One-Off department which, in tune with their historic ethos, promoted hand-made design.

Moving to Ireland in the 1970s with her young family, she established the first independent porcelain studio in the country. She won many awards and further developed her unique style. From her studio in Co. Clare, she began a long association with the James Graham Gallery on Madison Avenue, New York while continuing to sell in the UK.

By the 1980s her work was frequently commissioned by the Irish Government for diplomatic presentations and trade missions. In London she sold through the Casson Gallery where she exhibited with the renowned Lucie Rie whom she first met in the 1970s. During this period she worked with many leading interior designers, supplying classical vases and bowls to 'design royalty' David Hicks at his Jermyn St. atelier. Later Clients included David Collins Studio, Colefax & Fowler and Fox Linton - Chelsea Harbour.

In the 1990s she returned to London, working exclusively with black and white glazes. A three month showcase on the main concourse at the V&A museum confirmed her international standing.

During this time she pursued her interest in the history of Chinese ceramics with courses at Sothebys, Christies, and the Percival David Foundation where she was privileged to handle rare porcelains. This world famous £1bn collection was gifted to the British Museum in 2024. Her friendship and special involvement over the years with the Butler Collection of 17th C. Chinese ceramics defined an era.

In 2011 her most valued association began with Vessel Gallery, London, since when she developed new sculptural forms and returned to colour.

Over the decades Vivienne has honed a unique and contemporary style - she is now in her 80's, at the top of her game and continuing to innovate and explore.

Recent developments include a series of exciting bronze sculptures. She is intrigued by the characteristics of two very different materials both of which share ancient and dynamic histories. Her trademark skills translate lightly between the two.

Vivienne has published a successful coffee table monograph and written an authoritative book on the art and practice of porcelain - available HERE.

From her studio in Gloucestershire, England she works directly with private and corporate clients, architects and leading international interior designers. Vivienne is represented by the renowned VESSEL GALLERY in London. Her studio is also open to private buyers by appointment.