Internationally famed for his paintings, sculpture, and graphics, Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) was long intrigued by ceramics. After seeing the works of the Madoura potters at a crafts fair in 1946, he asked Georges and Suzanne Ramie, who operated the studio, to provide him with the opportunity to work with ceramics. 

Over the years Picasso and the Madoura studio produced 633 different  plates, bowls, vases and pitchers, in limited editions ranging from 25 to 500.  Picasso’s involvement in producing the objects varied. Sometimes he made the clay molds used for designs, while other times he painted on plates or pitchers taken from the drying racks. Picasso and Madoura’s artisans then finished the prototypes and produced the editions. He kept virtually all of his own thrown pieces, most of which are now owned by his family or by museums.

The exhibition features 46 ceramic works—plates, vases and pitchers, including two original ceramic works by Picasso between the years 1947 and 1971. It also includes original posters from previous exhibitions and photo murals of Picasso at work at the Madoura pottery.

The exhibition features an essay and chronology of Picasso by Gerald Nordland, noted author and independent curator, and former Director of the San Francisco Art Museum, The Milwaukee Art Museum, The Wight Gallery, UCLA, and the Washington (D.C.) Gallery of Modern Art.