Obituary Peter Smith
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Another sad day with the news of the passing away of Peter Smith of Bojewyan Pottery in Cornwall. Peter originally started out as a research chemist before turning to pottery after attending evening classes. He started his own pottery at Bojewyan in Cornwall in 1974. Arguably his most iconic works are his heavily grogged earthenware sculptural pieces decorated with slip or left unglazed, often with metal inclusions and even cement to enhance the tactile characteristics. He was dedicated to introducing a contemporary feel to traditional forms. He had a truly unique style.
As fate would have it, today will see the opening of the exhibition “RAW” in the Tiendschuur Tegelen in the Netherlands. Peter had graciously accepted our invitation to participate. But unfortunately, due to ill health, he was forced to withdraw in December last year. It is a great shame that he was unable to join the exhibition and provide pottery lovers on this side of the North Sea a final opportunity to enjoy his wonderful work up close.
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2 thoughts on “Obituary Peter Smith”
Sometimes somebody comes along and produces work that stuns/ shocks in equal measure.
This somebody was Peter Smith.
May he rest in peace x
I am so deeply saddened by this news, discovered late in the day. I had hoped to see Peter again. From 2014 – 2017 Peter and I were researching the earthenware equestrian finials found in the West Country and in particular trying to understand the 1926 Bernard Leach equestrians, and the 3 remaining finials from the 1920s still on roofs in St Ives. It was a wonderful exploration and I was continually astounded by Peter’s encyclopedia regional knowledge, his fierce love of research, and his generosity. The book we published would not have been possible without his support. In all that time, we only met once. I also love and admire his ventures into rough-pots and added materials. My deep condolences to his family.