Large Platter with Doves, James Tower, 1955

In 1949 James Tower joined the teaching staff at the Bath Academy of Art, Corsham, where he established the school’s ceramics department. Tower was drawn to the Academy’s approach to teaching, where the usual distinctions between the fine and decorative arts did not exist, instead, as he saw it, ‘all the arts were one’.

Tower produced this dish during his time at Corsham. It draws on the English traditions of earthenware with sgraffito (scratched) decoration in slip or tin-glaze. A 17th century example of this traditional style of ceramic decoration can be seen in the gallery upstairs. It coincidently also features a pigeon or dove.

What makes the dish displayed here extra special is that it was purchased by Tower’s colleague and friend, the artist William Scott. It still features the price (just £15!) and sold sticker on its base. Scott acquired the dish from Gimpel Fils, the London fine art gallery that represented both artists. Here Tower’s work was exhibited alongside the leading artists of the day including Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth.

In 2012 Antony Gormley described Tower as ‘a quintessentially English artist, who responded to his environment, was dedicated to his craft and who was a true friend. His works outlive him and for me represent the very best of English studio ceramics’.

Purchased with support from the Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund and Art Fund.