Maak’s ‘Living Collections’ auction Modern and Contemporary Ceramics of over 250 lots brings together works from several significant private collections, celebrating the pleasure of collecting and the enduring relationship between ceramics and those who live with them.
14 – 19 November 2026 | Maak, 40 Earlham Street, Covent Garden, London
Lucie Rie
A major highlight is a substantial group of works from the collection of Keith Seeley, spanning an impressive breadth of makers, including William Staite Murray, Michael Cardew, Elizabeth Fritsch, Felicity Aylieff and Kate Malone. A passionate and discerning collector of studio ceramics, Keith Seeley has played an active role in championing the medium beyond his own collection. Alongside ceramic artist Kate Malone, he was instrumental in the early development of FiredUp4, an initiative dedicated to introducing young people from disadvantaged communities to the creative and transformative possibilities of working with clay.
The auction also presents notable groups of works by Lucie Rie, Jennifer Lee and John Ward, offering collectors an opportunity to explore the distinctive practices of three highly influential figures in British studio ceramics. Alongside these established names are a number of exceptional rarities, including examples by Norah Braden, whose ceramics seldom appear at auction, an important early bowl of 1954 by Janet Leach, completed before her association with Bernard Leach, and a striking jug by Sam Haile, another artist whose work is rarely encountered at auction. A further highlight is an extraordinary table by Rupert Spira, incorporating 99 individual bowls, embodying the ambition and inventiveness of contemporary ceramic practice.
Janet Leach
As collections evolve and works pass between owners, each new custodian adds another chapter to their history, enriching the personal stories and provenance that accompany them. ‘Living Collections’ celebrates the remarkable breadth of modern and contemporary ceramics and the enduring pleasure of discovering, acquiring and living with these works.
In addition to exploring the ‘Living Collections’ auction of modern and contemporary studio ceramics, visitors will also be able to view the Maak’s Japanese ceramic auction which runs alongside.
From Mingei to the Avant-Garde: Maak Presents an Auction of 20th Century and Contemporary Japanese Ceramics. Bringing together functional vessels and ambitious sculptural forms, it explores the continuing dialogue between tradition and innovation that continues to shape modern Japanese ceramics to this day.
With over 100 lots, tea and sake wares sit alongside works that challenge conventional definitions of the vessel in this specialist auction, revealing the remarkable breadth of ceramic practice in Japan over the past century.
Emmanuel Cooper
Marijke Varrall-Jones, founder and director of Maak, comments:
“Japanese ceramics have had an extraordinary influence on studio pottery in Britain, but the field extends far beyond the familiar story of Mingei and the tea bowl. This auction allows us to bring those important traditions into conversation with the experimental and increasingly sculptural work that followed. It is particularly exciting to introduce our audience to artists who are not yet widely known in the UK, but whose work deserves much greater international recognition.”
The auction will offer opportunities for both established and emerging collectors, with a wide range of estimates.
John Ward
All works will be available to view online at www.maaklondon.com from 30 October 2026 and in person during Maak’s exhibition at 40 Earlham Street, Covent Garden from 14 – 19 November 2026.
INFORMATION:
For further information, Katie Newman on 01628 290 050 | katie@maaklondon.com |
ABOUT MAAK LONDON:
Maak is the UK’s specialist auction house dedicated to modern and contemporary ceramics and craft. Founded by Marijke Varrall-Jones, Maak presents carefully curated online auctions supported by specialist research, accessible expertise and public viewing exhibitions in London. Its auctions bring important works and private collections to an international community of collectors, institutions and enthusiasts.
Elizabeth Fritsch
