Peter Beard’s professional career in ceramics began in 1973. Since 2001 his artworks are added to the Terra Delft collection. Terra Delft have shown his work, besides of the permanent collection in the gallery, in solo- and group-exhibitions. In 2013/14 these group exhibitions of Terra Delft were realized in China as well, in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen.
Besides ancient art, the landscape is a source of inspiration to him, in all its forms. Peter Beard’s very special glazing technique gives his vases and objects a natural look. Combinations of matt, semi-matt and glossy glazes are superimposed in a pattern. During the firing, they form a relief with the unglazed parts. The shapes are balanced, the decoration gives the object a sense of excitement and sensation. The unique objects have a timeless quality, because they are modern yet at the same time loyal to history.
Peter Beard: “I first encountered clay when I was a small child, and whilst studying for my degree in industrial design and furniture design at Ravensbourne College of Art in London (1970-1973) was able to spend time in the ceramics department. On finishing college I helped set up a pottery in Scotland making thrown domestic stoneware. I opened my first studio in Kent in 1975, making mainly sculptural pieces.
I make thrown and hand-built pieces in oxidised stoneware fired to 1280°C. I have a contemplative approach to making and spend a lot of time drawing lines and sketching out ideas for new pieces. This approach eventually produces beautiful, considered objects that are contemporary but which owe an allegiance to history, giving them a timeless quality. My strong simple shapes are decorated with complex surfaces to complement the form and excite the eye, drawing an emotional response from the viewer.
I also make ground pieces. The technique here involves the layering of coloured clays and glaze and then grinding back the glazed surface to reveal intricate patterns within a silky smooth marble-like finish which is beautifully tactile. These pieces can take up to six months to complete and are the culmination of hours of experimentation and development.
Mine is an evolutionary process, combining technical skill with innovation and passion with intellect.
My work has been exhibited around the world and is represented in numerous museums, public collections and private collections in the UK and overseas. I have also received numerous awards from various international bodies.”