Written in Clay: From the John David Lawrence Collection
May 25 to November 9, 2025
“Written in Clay presents a history of ceramics made in British Columbia told through the collection of John David Lawrence. Featuring approximately 200 objects, it examines the materials and processes artists utilized in relation to the context in which studio ceramics arose and developed in the region.”
We received two complimentary tickets to the ArtParty opening at Vancouver Art Gallery last Saturday evening. I had been looking forward to seeing the ‘Written in Clay’ show of BC pots from the collection of John Lawrence for a while, so we arrived as early as allowed in order to see the work before the evening was too busy. The photos Alan and I took feature the Lawrence collection. I’ll try to find time to talk about Wei Cheng and Otani Workshop in a separate blog.
John Lawrence has built up a vast collection of BC Ceramics, indigenous art, painting and assemblage, jewellery and more over the past forty years. This remarkable man has shared his collection and expertise with the Vancouver Art Gallery curators to present an exhibition of some 300 historic ceramic works. The story of this man, his collection and a history of twentieth century ceramics can all be found in an accompanying book “THE PLACE OF OBJECTS: The John David Lawrence collection”.
I shall enjoy reading the contributed articles and looking at the works illustrated therein for quite a while. I recommend adding it to your collection!
I must admit that I thoroughly enjoyed not only revisiting lots of familiar pots but also spending time with fellow clay enthusiasts. You’ll see some senior potters in my photos, and Alan caught me chatting with longtime colleagues and heroes. I hope you enjoy my many photos of a special couple of hours. The partying went on much later but Al and I took skytrain back to Port Moody as it got dark.
I’ve added the text for some of the featured influencers of BC Ceramics. First, Hornby Island’s Wayne Ngan.
There are more pots to see and lots to learn from the accompanying wall texts. Do find a day to visit this show until November 9th, and others at VAG. Here is the gallery’s link: https://www.vanartgallery.bc.ca/exhibitions/written-in-clay
For my friends who follow my blog for personal news, Yes, we have sold our old house and are set to move into a nice large townhouse also here in Port Moody, on June 13th! We are lucky that our buyers intend to restore the house, use my kiln shed as a workshop and enjoy my garden.
I’ll blog when I have time but pro tem it’s all about the packing. Our email addresses won’t change so get in touch in a while if you’d like to visit our new home. I hope to get a new studio set up by the end of the summer or sooner.
What a great opening celebration at the VAG! Beautiful clearly displayed ceramics were juxtaposed with a surprising number of ball gowns and the harmonies of a pop-up choir sharing snippets of the chatter.
So enjoy your shared blog & glad to hear you’re still setting up in Port Moody, all good news about your lovely old home — I’ll work on getting to the gallery for this! I have a blog too…
What wonderful photos & such an interesting article about this show – definitely want to see it. Thanks for sharing this on your blog. Gillian & Alan – good luck with your move! Hugs, Dianne.
What amazing pieces.
Thanks for this wonderful virtual visit to the show, Gillian. I’ll be sure to see it in person.
Also, best wishes for a VERY Happy Birthday today.
Thanks for this great post Gillian. I can’t wait to see the show in person when I get back to Vancouver in July. Good luck with your move and new beginning.