Derek Davis (OE1932-1938) Painter & Potter

Derek Davis was born in London in 1926. He studied at Emanuel School before World War Two between the years of 1932 - 1938 and is one of the few, known OEs to be established internationally in this area of the arts (if you know of any others please contact me at trj@emanuel.org.uk) After leaving school he studied at the Central School of Arts and Crafts in the last half of the 1940s and opened his own workshop in Essex in 1953.

Two years later he moved to Arundel in Sussex, where he has remained. In 1967 he was appointed Artist in Residence at the University of Sussex.

Derek Davis

Davis's work has always been regarded as interesting. He has worked in earthenware, stoneware and porcelain, using various techniques - throwing, hand-building, press moulding and hand moulding. He quotes his influences as Picasso, Matisse and the American School. He is a master of different mediums and seemed to have switched mediums at various times in his career, and since the early 90s has worked mainly with painting. There have been arguments about when he was at his creative peak: some argue he pushed the boundaries of what was possible with clay in the 1950s, others argue his caremic work in the 1970s was his strongest.

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Prior to the 90s his later work is mainly sculptural and made as a commentary on his observations of life, natural surroundings and the local countryside. He has been widely exhibited and is in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. Davis's work can be found in major museums in Europe, Japan and America. Although much of his work is sold into private hands there have been several major exhibitions of his work in the UK.

His son Josse Davies is also an established ceramist/potter. Derek very kindly sent us copies of the book "Derek Davies: Painter/Potter" which includes a full retrospective of his long career and an insight into how he works. Copies can be consulted in the School Archive for anyone interested.

Much of Derek's recent work can be viewed (and purchased) from the Zimmer Stewart Gallery

TRJ

trj@emanuel.org.uk