{"product_id":"biomorphic-abstract-vase-by-jessie-tait-in-black-and-maroon","title":"Biomorphic Abstract Vase by Jessie Tait in Black and Maroon (1950s)","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eAn unusual sculptural ceramic vase designed by Jessie Tait for Midwinter Pottery, England, circa 1950s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe vase features an asymmetric, biomorphic form with two upward-sweeping points framing a curved central opening. Its dramatic silhouette is emphasised by contrasting glazes in deep maroon, black and pale grey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe design reflects the growing influence of abstract sculpture and organic modernism on British decorative arts during the postwar period. Its fluid, almost abstract animal-like form makes it as much a small sculpture as a functional vase.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eAn uncommon example of Midwinter’s more experimental decorative ceramics, demonstrating the departure from traditional pottery forms that characterised British design during the 1950s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDesigner and Manufacturer\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eJessie Tait (1928–2010) was a British ceramic designer whose work helped establish Midwinter as one of the most progressive manufacturers of domestic ceramics in postwar Britain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eBorn in Stoke-on-Trent, Tait studied at the Burslem School of Art before beginning her career working alongside ceramic designer Charlotte Rhead. She subsequently joined W.R. Midwinter, where she remained for almost three decades.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eDuring the 1950s, Midwinter underwent a significant transformation under Roy Midwinter, who had been inspired by contemporary American ceramics and the growing demand for modern domestic design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eTait became instrumental in developing the company’s new visual identity, producing bold, abstract and often playful designs that contrasted with the traditional floral decoration of earlier British tableware.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eHer best-known patterns include Primavera, Red Domino, Zambesi and Festival, many of which are now represented in museum collections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eAlongside her tableware designs, Tait experimented with sculptural ceramic forms and decorative vases, exploring the possibilities of colour, shape and abstraction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eHer work remains an important part of the history of British midcentury ceramics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eVintage condition. Please refer to photographs for details.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDimensions\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eHeight: 17.5 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eDesigner: Jessie Tait\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eManufacturer: W.R. Midwinter Ltd\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eOrigin: Staffordshire, England\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003ePeriod: Circa 1950s\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"translate\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"a fold of chairs","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":60373628027264,"sku":null,"price":225.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1842\/3093\/files\/DSC00710-4062.jpg?v=1794493002","url":"https:\/\/www.afoldofchairs.com\/products\/biomorphic-abstract-vase-by-jessie-tait-in-black-and-maroon","provider":"a fold of chairs","version":"1.0","type":"link"}