Colin Pearson

Colin Pearson (1923–2007) was a celebrated British ceramicist, best known for his distinctive wing designs, which he applied to vases in a variety of styles. Born in London in 1923, he studied at Goldsmiths College before beginning his early career at Winchcombe and later at Lambeth in 1954, working at the Royal Doulton Pottery.

The turning point in Pearson’s career came in 1955 when he took over the running of Aylesford Pottery from David Leach, who had established it a year earlier at the Carmelite Friary in Aylesford, Kent, before leaving to set up Lowerdown Pottery in Devon. Pearson became the manager of Aylesford Pottery, overseeing production and development.

In 1961, he established his own workshop, Quay Pottery, producing domestic wares. After about ten years, he shifted focus away from domestic pottery to concentrate on individual pieces, which allowed him to explore greater artistic expression. During this period, Pearson also taught at Camberwell School of Art and the Medway School of Art, before later moving to Islington, London, continuing his practice and influence as a maker and educator.