Unknown, likely from 1960s
Ceramic
45 W x 15 H x 43.5 D cm
Signed by artist
France
Very large coupe in red clay of Vallauris chamotted, milky white enamel and melted green, and incised decoration.
Albert Thiry
Albert Thiry (1923–2009) was a French ceramist from Nice whose career spanned both decorative and sculptural arts. He studied at the School of Decorative Arts in his hometown before settling in 1943 with his wife, Pyot Gavaudan, in Vallauris—the renowned village of potters.
Thiry honed his skills in several workshops, notably with Charles Voltz, and later worked as a decorator for Claire and René Batigne. Collaborations with artists Marcel Vertès and Anton Prinner introduced him to sculpture, expanding his creative vocabulary. In 1962, he established his own studio, joined by Pyot Gavaudan, herself an accomplished designer and decorator.
Together, the couple produced two distinct bodies of work: functional pieces such as tableware and lighting, and purely sculptural creations featuring dreamlike figures and animal forms. They pioneered a technique of intaglio engraving and chamotte-based decoration, giving their ceramics a unique texture and expressive character.
From 1966 to 1974, Thiry participated in the Vallauris Biennials, earning a diploma of honor in 1971. His legacy is defined by rustic charm, bold hand-painted designs, and a distinctive style that continues to resonate in the world of contemporary ceramics.
