Ceramic Decorative Plate of Australian Bush by Neil Douglas for Arthur Merric Boyd Pottery (circa 1950s)

Ceramic Decorative Plate of Australian Bush by Neil Douglas for Arthur Merric Boyd (AMB) Pottery (circa 1950s). The circular earthenware bowl is hand painted with a bush scene of grass trees (Xanthorrhoeas), an unusual creature only found there, an echidna, or spiny anteater and indigenous people in the background. It is a wheel-thrown glazed earthenware with a painted underglaze of the image. The form, simple but elegant, and the scene, deftly painted but poetic are characteristic of Douglas' style. Neil Douglas' pieces are now extremely sought after and have been acquired by several museums, including the National Gallery of Victoria's permanent collection in recognition of their important place in Australia's cultural heritage and art. The bowl has incised signatures on the underside of base. Very collectable and in very good vintage condition commensurate with age. Upon request, a video clip of the piece may be provided. 

About the Artist: Neil Douglas (1911 - 2003) was born in New Zealand and studied painting at the National Gallery School, Melbourne, Australia. Although he devoted most of his time to pottery, in 1964 he held his first one-man exhibition of paintings at the Toorak Gallery in Melbourne. Neil Douglas was a partner in the Arthur Merric Boyd pottery, known for its production of highly creative ceramics and one-off sculptural pieces. During his lifetime he was highly regarded as both potter and painter. He was also recognised as a passionate conservationist and a charismatic and eccentric individual. In 1975 he was awarded an MBE in recognition of his services to conservation and the arts. His obituary described the award ceremony for his MBE: "...this much loved environmentalist artist wore a hessian suit he had woven, dyed, and tailored himself. To add insult to injury he was shoeless. His hair (which, he claimed, had not been cut for 20 years) and his beard almost obscured his quizzical, rosy, bony face...His contribution to Australian civilisation was, arguably, greater than any other of the Queen's chosen few at Government House that day."

Dimensions:

Dia 22.6 cm (8.9") 

D 3.8 cm (1.5")