John Maltby

John Maltby (1936–2020) was a celebrated British ceramicist, born in Lincolnshire in 1936. He studied art at Leicester College of Art and Goldsmiths College in South London before beginning his career in teaching, soon turning his focus to pottery, where he would leave a lasting mark.

In 1962, Maltby joined David Leach at Lowerdown Pottery in Devon, an experience that shaped his future work. In 1964, he established his own pottery workshop at Stoneshill, near Crediton in Devon, where he worked for the remainder of his career.

Initially producing domestic wares in earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain, Maltby shifted in the mid-1970s to focus entirely on unique, one-off pieces. This allowed him to explore artistic expression more freely, creating works with a strong, sculptural sense of form. His ceramics are distinguished by their powerful contrasts of dark and light colour, combining traditional British pottery techniques with modernist design elements.

Maltby exhibited widely, including at the Victoria and Albert Museum, and his works are held in private collections and galleries worldwide. He also lectured extensively in the UK and internationally, sharing his expertise with future generations.

John Maltby passed away on 22 December 2020, leaving a remarkable legacy of originality, character, and innovation in British ceramics.