Mick Arnup – Signed Stoneware Bowl – 1997

Description

A finely proportioned stoneware bowl by the British studio potter Mick Arnup (1923–2008), signed and dated 1997 to the base.

Measuring approximately 13.2 cm in diameter and 4.7 cm high, the bowl has a simple, low rounded profile with a neatly turned foot and a subtly darkened rim.

The interior and exterior are covered in a restrained olive-grey and smoky brown glaze, with natural variations in tone and a softly mottled surface produced by the firing. The glaze is particularly effective across the interior, where the wheel-thrown concentric rings remain visible beneath the surface and create a strong sense of movement.

The piece is understated rather than decorative, relying on form, glaze and texture rather than applied ornament. This gives it the quiet, functional character associated with much British studio pottery of the later twentieth century.

Mick Arnup

Mick Arnup (1923–2008) was a British painter and potter whose ceramics are characterised by robust wheel-thrown forms, restrained glazing and an interest in surface and colour.

Auction records show Arnup producing stoneware bowls, dishes, jugs and large sculptural vessels in a wide range of glazes, often signed directly to the base. Comparable bowls have been catalogued with painted or incised Arnup signatures, including examples with mottled, speckled and abstractly decorated surfaces.

His ceramics increasingly attract collectors of post-war British studio pottery, particularly pieces with clearly documented signatures and dates.

Form and Construction

The bowl is wheel-thrown stoneware, with visible concentric throwing lines to the interior and exterior and a crisply finished circular foot.

The gently flared wall rises from a compact foot to a darkened rounded rim. The balance between the wide opening and low profile gives the piece a particularly successful functional form.

Glaze

The glaze varies from olive and grey-green to charcoal and brown, with areas of lighter mineral bloom and darker pooling around the rim and lower body.

These variations are characteristic of studio firing and contribute to the individuality of the piece.

Mark

The underside is painted:

Arnup
97

providing direct evidence of both maker and date.

Condition

Very good condition overall.

The glaze remains attractive and well preserved, with natural variation and firing effects throughout.

No obvious chips, significant cracks or restoration are apparent from the supplied photographs. Minor surface marks and firing irregularities are consistent with handmade studio pottery.

Please study all photographs carefully as they form an integral part of the condition description.

Details

Maker: Mick Arnup
Date: 1997
Material: Stoneware
Glaze: Olive-grey / smoky brown
Construction: Wheel-thrown
Diameter: 13.2 cm
Height: c.4.7 cm
Mark: Painted “Arnup 97” to base
Origin: British studio pottery

Authenticity

The painted “Arnup 97” mark directly identifies the piece as a work by Mick Arnup and dates it to 1997. Comparable signed stoneware bowls by Arnup are documented in the auction record.

Every item offered by Hornseys is handled, inspected and catalogued in-house before being offered for sale.

SHOP WITH CONFIDENCE AT HORNSEYS

At Hornseys, we are committed to offering ceramics that meet high standards of quality, authenticity and condition. Every piece is handled, inspected, researched and catalogued in-house before being offered for sale, with particular attention paid to maker’s marks, factory or studio backstamps, materials, construction, decoration and provenance where known.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Authenticity and Attribution: Each ceramic is examined carefully for maker’s marks, impressed stamps, signatures, labels and other identifying features. Where an attribution is made, we distinguish clearly between what is confirmed by the object itself and what is based on documented stylistic or historical evidence.
• Expert Curation: We wholly own the ceramics we offer for sale and select them individually for their design, quality, maker, rarity, historical interest or decorative appeal. We buy what we believe in and stand behind every item we offer.
• Detailed Cataloguing: Our descriptions are prepared in-house and include relevant information on maker, date, materials, manufacture, decoration, condition and provenance wherever this can be established.
• Customer Satisfaction: We aim to provide an exceptional buying experience, from accurate photographs and detailed condition reports to careful packing and prompt delivery.
• Returns Policy: Every item is offered with an unconditional guarantee. If you wish to return a ceramic for any reason, it may be returned to us within 14 days of receipt, provided that we are notified in advance and that the item is returned in the same condition in which it was sent. A full refund will then be issued.

OUR COMMITMENT TO QUALITY AND SERVICE

Ceramics require particularly careful handling and packing. We therefore take considerable care over every stage of the purchasing process.

• Free Expedited, Tracked and Insured UK Delivery: Ceramics are securely packed using appropriate protective materials and sent by tracked and insured delivery.
• Fully Insured Worldwide Delivery: International orders are carefully packed and sent using reliable, fully insured services wherever available.
• Condition Checked In-House: Each ceramic is inspected for chips, cracks, restoration, crazing, firing faults and other condition issues before being catalogued. Any significant defects identified are stated clearly in the description.

EXPLORE OUR COLLECTION

Visit Hornseys to explore our collection of British and European ceramics, studio pottery, artist-designed ceramics and decorative wares, including work by established designers, illustrators and studio potters.

Whether you are an experienced collector, furnishing an interior or searching for a distinctive gift, our selection is chosen for its design, craftsmanship, originality and visual interest.

Established in 1976 in Ripon, North Yorkshire, Hornseys has long specialised in carefully selected art, design, books and collectables, with every item researched and catalogued individually before being offered for sale.