Tien Mu Shan

Some pots are too good to sell - but one must live and therefore I had to part with this gem.

Inspired by the Japanese art of sword-making where the iron is folded onto itself.  Here I decided to fold the ash glaze on itself.

Sung-inspired pure porcelain fruit bowl

Voici une paire de bols en porcelaine pur; de loin on ne vois pas les cornures c'est très subtil. 120 pounds par bol, plus 20 pounds de frais d'envoi.

Email: mrmfrancois@gmail.com pour passer commande.

Here is a pair of Sung-inspired fruit bowls.

£120 plus £20 of shipping.

Email mrmfrancois@gmail.com to place an order.

Handmade porcelain tableware

Yunomis: great for coffe and green tea.

Voici des Yunomis, parfait pour le caffé et le thé vert.

£35. Email mrmfrancois@gmail.com to place an order.

Pudding bowl, French breakfast bowl.

£35; email mrmfrancois@gmail.com to arrange payment and delivery.

Large serving bowl. £80; email mrmfrancois@gmail.com to order.

Pure Porcelain pre-Ming style bottle vases

Here are four porcelain bottle vases. The first one is covered with a Sui dynasty type glaze. It's height is 23 cm.

For sale at 1£180 plus £20 delivery worldwide.

The second and third are in celadon blue pure porcelain.

For sales at £180 plus £20 for worldwide delivery.

The fourth is a Ru type glaze said to emulate jade. 28cm high.

Price £200 plus £20 worldwide delivery.

To purchase email me at mrmfrancois@gmail.com, leaving your phone details so I can arrange delivery.

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Voici quatre Vases Bouteilles, la premiere couverte d'une glasure de type SUI, les deux autres sont en Celadon puis la quatrième est en glasure Ru.

Pour faire un achat envoyer moi par mail votre telephone pour que j'arrange la livraison.

mrmfrancois@gmail.com

Boscean Pottery

Boscean Pottery announces its closure after 52 years of production. The Boscean Pottery in St. Just is forced to close this year following the death of its owner, Beth Marshall, in late February this year. The pottery was founded in 1962 by Leach Pottery apprentice Scott Marshall and Leach student Richard Jenkins. The pair had great success producing rustic pottery for London markets and also employed apprentices in its early years. From the 1970s and onwards the Pottery was run by Scott Marshall who’s prolific output of kitchenware and ovenware supplied local customers and annual visitors up until his death in 2008. For the last 3 years the workshop and gallery had been run by well known potter, Jacob Bodilly. Jacob had trained at the Leach Pottery in St Ives, when it reopened in 2008, and went on to run Boscean Pottery after his training. During the three years he spent at Boscean Pottery, he enjoyed success with annual exhibitions and commissions from the Eden Project, Kurt Jackson and English Heritage. Jacob spent his time reviving the Pottery workshops and customer base, whilst writing a book about the site’s history. Following Boscean Pottery’s closure in March, Jacob has set about relocating his entire practice to Devon, near the hamlet of Greenham, on the Devon/Somerset border. This has come as a shock to many but although born in Cornwall, Jacob spent much of his life in Devon and is moving to be closer to friends and family. The Pottery is now empty and the vast collection of its studio pottery and furniture will be sold at auction on the 10th July, next month, at David Lay auctions’ in Penzance. The lots contain rare pieces made at the Leach Pottery and a substantial amount of William Marshall studio Pottery and Scott Marshall kitchenware. The auction will also contain up to 50 pots made by Jacob Bodilly. Jacob urges people that these are the last works to be made at the historic site and this auction hopes to make them accessible to the public and collectors. Jacob extends his gratitude to Beth Marshall and her family for their support over the last three years and would like to thank all visitors and customers that have supported Boscean Pottery over its 52 year legacy. News of Jacob’s new workshop will be posted on his new blog: jacobbodillypottery.blogspot.com For information on the auction go to : www.davidlay.co.uk enquiries@davidlay.co.uk 01736 361414 And information and details regarding Jacob Bodilly Pottery : jacob.bodilly@googlemail.com jacobbodillypottery.blogspot.com jacobbodillyphoto.blogspot.com 07866801802

Cornwall is at a loss without this place, where time could drift in complete bliss. Out of time and out of it. Never will forget ..

Open Sesame!

It took 18 hours to fire one of my kilns the other day as it would not rise to the wanted temperature.

But after hearing the Dawn chorus of birds I finally could let it rest .  Notice a new Kiln shed made by James Benzing.

Glazed pots before the firing ...

Some of the fired pots. Will show more and a film later on. 

These are the new shelving. And this is my proud son Theo in front of the outside display.. 

KILN OPENING

PRESS RELEASE for immediate use / 2 May 2014

Michel Francois : River of Colour
Free kiln opening event at the Rural Workshops, Breage 
Saturday 17 May 2014 - 3 pm to 5 pm

 

On Saturday 17th May potter Michel Francois opens his studio doors to the public for another of his popular kiln opening events, where buyers and art enthusiasts can be the first to see his latest show of work straight from its final firing.

In celebration of spring this new collection, entitled River of Colour, brings together a dazzling palette of hues across a range of ceramic objects including wine cups, coffee beakers and Oriental dining ware. Francois’ elegant hand-thrown porcelain works will emerge hot from the kiln in a vivid stream of celadon yellows, sky blues, emerald greens, glowing ambers and the warm orange of Gunwalloe clay, interspersed with pieces in tones of pearl white, midnight blue and rich luminous black.

The 60 to 80 piece collection includes noodle bowls, Japanese yunomi cups and coffee beakers, elongated desert bowls and porcelain champagne and wine cups. The show also includes a collection of statement pieces including a contemporary porcelain wine carafe and uniquely beautiful jars and bowls in Maple, Plum, Beech and Chestnut ash glazes.

Visitors to this FREE event are welcome between 3 and 5pm. Artisan coffee courtesy of Espressini Coffee House Falmouth will be served along with luscious cakes from Peasouk Café Falmouth. All works are available for purchase with prices ranging from £10 to £500. 
Michel Francois Porcelain, The Rural Workshops, Breage, TR13 9NW. 


Michel Francois' studio is 2 miles from Helston, signposted on the B3302 between Helston and Hayle.
For further information telephone 01736 448002, email

 mrmfrancois@gmail.com or visit www.michelfrancois.com
 

On the productive streak again this time I'm embracing porcelain. . 

a few new coffee cups. So much is being made now a lot of good work too, I strive to keep quality high as porcelain is very unforgiving.. 

vigilance and patience. 

Here is a new blog on pottery by artist and potter Jacob Bodilly

jacob bodilly pottery

 Some rare work is so blessed by the kiln  there is no price to it.
A 0 can be added to its price without flinching. .

This is such a bowl. One of the finest pieces to come out of the Studio last year.

A bowl like this fits a particular person; this one now belongs to my dear friend David Collen of the Essence of Tea.

Here you can read a new
Cornwall living article
about my studio.

Bye bye Tableware..

Hello Porcelain ..

Spent the last 8 weeks producing a new range of tableware for a clothing company.
It was a good experience, but cant wait to get my life back and move on to something else.
Sometimes one pushes ones self too much.. I need a holiday!

Michel Francois Kiln Opening Event

Saturday 21st September 2013 / 3pm to 5pm


On Saturday 21st September, West Cornwall based potter Michel Francois welcomes the public to another of his ever popular kiln opening events. Visitors will be first to enjoy the unique results of this firing and see his elegant porcelain emerge warm from the kiln.

This new collection of studio pottery showcases the luminous, translucent beauty of Celadon glaze, in subtle duck egg blues inspired by Korean and Japanese porcelain, imperial yellow, and milky white satin glazes inspired by the Sui and Tang dynasty.

Pieces range from bowls and serving dishes to wine cups and flower jugs alongside statement pieces such as tulip vases, fine jars and larger works.





This event will coincide with  the launch of the new range of contemporary porcelain designed by Francois’ for Espressini Artisan Coffee house, Falmouth.

 Michel has also recently co-designed and produced a new range of tableware for the Eden project and his work has been shown at galleries in Paris, London, Edinburgh and at the International Teabowl Exhibition in Taipei, Taiwan.

Visitors to this free event are welcome between 3 and 5pm.
Chinese tea will be served and works are available for purchase, with prices ranging from £10 to £500.

For further information contact Michel Francois Porcelain, 
The Rural Workshops, Breage, Helston, Cornwall, TR13 9NW  / 01736 448002

Hello All

I would like to let you know that this summer in collaboration with the Leach Pottery and the St Ives september festival we have launched the first even Cornwall Ceramics Trail !!

Check out the new blog to view the vibrant talent west Cornwall has to offer.
cornwall ceramics trail

I thought it good to post a few more images of what is on offer regarding my new work.

The Last Firing before the Cornwall Design Fair 2013

Why do I have FIRE written on my back? I think it may be time to open..

The now famous Metin Erturk from Turkey will give the final verdict. You ready.

While I caan't help but notice that the black Seto teabowls have gone one touch too hot.
But not that much too hot.. I think Metin is right this is mission accomplished.

Many Hands make light work..

Marc-Antoine from France and Metin from Turkey are spending their summer helping me in the studio. 

I am very privileged to have help this busy time of year. 

Great times, happy memories. .

Firing on all burners for the Cornwall Design Fair ...www.cornwalldesignfair.co.uk
at Trereife House the15th to 18th of August

Préparation à la cuisson pour le Cornwall Design Fair - Getting ready ..

Aujourd'hui, je vous présente les coulisses de la production de nouvelles grandes jarres. Celles-ci seront présentées au Cornwall Design Fair, les 16, 17 et 18 août prochain (www.cornwalldesignfair.co.uk).

Pour les réaliser, j'ai utilisé un mélange de grès et de porcelaine. Je fais toujours très attention de sélectionner les matériaux de la meilleure qualité qu'il soit. Cela s'inclut dans ma démarche d'offrir à mes clients une oeuvre unique et aboutie. Pour y arriver, je souligne que pour ces pièces, le travail des anses est primordial puisqu'il contribue à donner à ces jarres toute leur noblesse.

Ensuite, par ces photos, je vous donne à voir les étapes ultimes de la fabrication :

La glaçure :

1ère glaçure : à base de pierres de Cornouailles

2ème glaçure : inspirée de la tradition de porcelaine japonaise Arita, qui elle-même puise ses traditions en Corée. Cette glaçure est élaborée à base de cendres de peupliers, de Feldspath et d'ocre jaune.

 

Les finitions :

C'est une étape à laquelle je suis très précautionneux. Il faut tout d'abord attendre que la glaçure soit bien sèche à la surface de la pièce, puis ensuite j'utilise un outil fibre de bambou pour égaliser la surface.

La cuisson :

Ultime mais essentielle phase, la cuisson de ces deux pièces va s'exécuter avec d'autres pièces travaillées au cours de la semaine. La cuisson requiert un contrôle du temps, de la température, de l'apport en oxygène.

Après 5 heures de cuisson, à 1000°C, je réduirai l'apport en oxygène dans le four d'un facteur 10. (de 20% dans l'atmosphère à 2% ici).

5 heures plus tard, à 1280°C, j'éteindrai le four, et l'ouvrirai quelques minutes seulement pour donner aux pièces la tonalité souhaitée.

The Glaze Mystery..

When I first started working with ceramics I thought glazes were not interesting, being way too bold and fat, hiding the purity of form and the pulsating quality of the wet clay.  For many years I turned to sculpture and thought ceramics too limiting as I felt the glazes stifled the form.  Then seeing the ancient Raku bowls, the Sung and the Chosun Pots, I realised how mistaken I was!  I then  tirelssly tryed to make glazes that could generate an emotional response.  Ceramic surfaces, like fabric are limitless in their appeal..  I believe their very nature is somewhat 'mysterious' and can trigger wonder, and emotion.  I believe pots can hold an 'essence' .  glaze is like skin- the interface- the point of contact drawing the viewer in, inviting us to touch.. In this case a sensual milkyness, something soft that seems palpable, fluid, tender yet firm.

The other day I sent a bowl to Taiwan for Stephane from the blog Teamasters.

The glaze was a duck egg white that has hints of blue to it,
 based on my reseach into the ancient White chinese glazes.

 I have been working on this glaze for five years.

I have now made this glaze even softer by calcinating the China clay I use in the glaze.
 I don't think I will change much to it now. Probably my finest glaze!

Philippe m'a envoyé une photo d'une dégustation de Long Jin en Herbe ..

Heureux de voire mes pièces utilisées.