What Is Troika Pottery
Troika Pottery was an art pottery that operated in Cornwall from 1962 to 1983.
Founded by Leslie Illsley, Jan Thompson, and Benny Sirota, Troika Pottery aimed to create pottery as art, without regard to function.
The pottery gained critical praise and achieved high sales, with contracts with department stores and catering to the summer tourist trade.
In 1970, Troika Pottery moved from St Ives to Newlyn.
Benny Sirota left the business in 1980 and Troika Pottery closed its doors in 1983.
The pottery had two distinct ranges: rough-textured wares and smooth glazed wares.
Did You Know?
1. Troika Pottery is a distinctive style of ceramic art that originated in Cornwall, England in 1963.
2. Troika Pottery was founded by three individuals – Leslie Illsley, Benny Sirota, and Jan Thompson – hence the name “troika,” which means “three” in Russian.
3. One unique aspect of Troika Pottery is the textured surfaces created by the potters. They used techniques like sgraffito, where intricate designs were incised into the clay before firing.
4. Troika Pottery pieces were often made in limited editions, making them highly sought after by collectors today.
5. Despite its success, Troika Pottery closed its doors in 1983. However, its legacy lives on through the many remarkable pieces that are still treasured by art enthusiasts around the world.
Introduction And Background
Troika Pottery was a renowned art pottery that operated in Cornwall from 1962 to 1983, leaving behind an enduring artistic legacy. Founded by Leslie Illsley, Jan Thompson, and Benny Sirota, Troika Pottery quickly gained recognition for its distinctive style and innovative approach to ceramics.
Origins in the Studio Pottery Movement: With its origins deeply rooted in the burgeoning studio pottery movement of the time, Troika Pottery sought to break away from traditional functional pottery and create pieces that were primarily works of art.
Unique Artistic Vision: Troika Pottery aimed to push the boundaries of pottery, embracing modern techniques and experimenting with form and texture. Their pieces were characterized by bold geometric designs, vibrant colors, and use of sculptural elements.
Recognition and Achievements: Troika Pottery gained widespread recognition and popularity throughout its existence. Their distinctive style set them apart from other pottery studios of the time, and their creations were highly sought after by collectors and art enthusiasts.
Closure and Legacy: Despite its success, Troika Pottery eventually closed its doors in 1983. However, its legacy continues to live on, with its pieces prized by collectors and exhibited in museums worldwide. The unique artistic vision and innovative approach of Troika Pottery inspired subsequent generations of ceramic artists and contributed to the evolution of contemporary ceramics.
“Troika Pottery was not merely a pottery studio, but a true artistic movement that revolutionized the field of ceramics. Through their unique vision and innovative approach, Troika Pottery created timeless pieces that continue to captivate and inspire.“
- Troika Pottery operated from 1962 to 1983
- Founded by Leslie Illsley, Jan Thompson, and Benny Sirota
- Troika Pottery aimed to break away from traditional pottery and create pieces primarily as works of art
- Their distinctive style included bold geometric designs, vibrant colors, and sculptural elements
- Troika Pottery gained recognition and popularity, with their creations sought after by collectors
- The studio closed in 1983, but their legacy lives on through their prized pieces and influence on contemporary ceramics.
Founders And Origins
Troika Pottery was founded by Leslie Illsley, Jan Thompson, and Benny Sirota, who were all passionate about artistic expression through ceramics. The pottery was established at Wheal Dream, taking over the premises of the Powell and Wells Pottery. The initial ceramics for Troika Pottery were provided by Leslie Illsley’s wife, Caroline, which laid a strong artistic foundation for the pottery.
The founders of Troika Pottery aimed to challenge the conventions of the studio pottery movement and push the boundaries of functionality. Their combined skills and creative vision led to the creation of pieces that went beyond traditional expectations.
Key points:
- Founded by Leslie Illsley, Jan Thompson, and Benny Sirota.
- Located at Wheal Dream, taking over Powell and Wells Pottery premises.
- Caroline Illsley provided the initial ceramics for Troika Pottery.
- Troika Pottery aimed to challenge conventions and create pieces beyond traditional boundaries.
Unique Artistic Vision
Troika Pottery aimed to push the boundaries of what pottery could achieve as an art form, disregarding the functional aspect that was typically valued during that time. Instead, the studio focused on creating visually striking pieces that stirred emotions and challenged the viewer’s perception of pottery. They achieved this through two distinct ranges: rough-textured wares and smooth glazed wares.
The rough-textured wares were adorned with intricate and abstract patterns, often featuring bold geometric designs or natural motifs, which added a tactile element to the pieces. On the other hand, the smooth glazed wares showcased vibrant colors and innovative glazing techniques that added depth and character to the pottery.
This unique approach to pottery-making set Troika Pottery apart from its contemporaries and established its reputation as a truly innovative and artistic studio.
Achievements And Success
Troika Pottery quickly gained critical praise and achieved high sales, allowing it to establish contracts with large department stores and cater to the summer tourist trade. The distinctiveness of Troika Pottery’s creations, the union of creative vision and technical expertise, contributed to its success and popularity among collectors and enthusiasts alike. The pottery’s move from St Ives to Newlyn in 1970 further expanded its reach and solidified its position as a leading establishment in the art pottery scene.
Troika’s achievements were celebrated in the 2013 exhibition “Troika 1963-1983,” where prototypes by Leslie Illsley were showcased, highlighting the studio’s exceptional artistic legacy.
- Troika Pottery gained critical praise and achieved high sales.
- Contracts with large department stores were established.
- The pottery catered to the summer tourist trade.
- The distinctiveness of Troika Pottery’s creations contributed to its success.
- The move from St Ives to Newlyn in 1970 expanded its reach.
- Troika Pottery became a leading establishment in the art pottery scene.
- The 2013 exhibition “Troika 1963-1983” showcased prototypes by Leslie Illsley.
“The union of creative vision and technical expertise” – Troika Pottery’s key to success.
Closure And Legacy
Troika Pottery, despite its remarkable success, faced challenges that ultimately led to its closure in 1983. The departure of Benny Sirota in 1980 marked a significant turning point for the studio. Without his creative input, Troika Pottery struggled to sustain its previous momentum. However, the closure of the pottery did not diminish its lasting legacy.
Today, Troika Pottery pieces are highly sought after by collectors around the world. Their distinctive style and innovative designs continue to capture the imagination of pottery enthusiasts. The legacy of Troika Pottery serves as a testament to the studio’s pioneering spirit and enduring contribution to the field of art pottery.
- Troika Pottery faced challenges and closed in 1983
- Benny Sirota’s departure marked a turning point for the studio
- Troika Pottery pieces are sought after by collectors globally
- Distinctive style and innovative designs make them popular
- Troika Pottery’s legacy reflects its pioneering spirit
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is troika pottery valuable?
Troika pottery is indeed valuable, with larger and rarer pieces holding their value well and, in some cases, even appreciating in value slightly. A recent example of this is a large shouldered rectangular vase marked St Ives and signed by Benny Sirota, co-founder of Troika, which sold on eBay for £750. Rarer pieces from Troika consistently sell for prices ranging from £1000 to £2000, indicating their continued desirability and collectability among enthusiasts.
Why is troika pottery called troika?
Troika pottery derives its name from the Russian word “troika,” which translates to a sledge drawn by three horses. This intriguing choice of name was inspired by the fascinating story of Benny Serota’s grandfather, who made a daring escape from Russia by disguising himself as a woman on a troika. Building upon this tale of resilience and adventure, the founders of Troika pottery aimed to embody the spirit of their craft by embracing the name associated with their heritage, ultimately creating a lasting connection between their pottery and their legacy of bravery.
Is troika pottery still made?
Although Troika pottery holds a significant place in the history of Cornwall’s art scene, the pottery ceased production in 1983. However, the legacy of Troika pottery continues to captivate enthusiasts and collectors alike. Today, many original Troika pieces can be found in private collections and galleries, showcasing the unique and iconic designs that defined the era. While new Troika pottery is not being produced, the existing creations continue to remind us of the artistic contribution the pottery made during its active years. Collectors now cherish these pieces as a testament to the beauty and craftsmanship that characterized Troika pottery’s distinctive style.
Is all troika pottery signed?
While Decorators’ marks are often crucial in identifying genuine Troika pottery, not all pieces are signed. Take, for example, this genuine unsigned Troika cylinder vase. The absence of a signature does not detract from its authenticity. The true essence of a Troika piece can only be grasped when physically seen and held, as the genuine ones possess a distinct quality that sets them apart from fakes.