Clive Bowen

Clive Bowen (born 1943 in Cardiff)^[1] is a Devon based potter whose work is included in a number of public collections.

Bowen studied painting and etching at Cardiff College of Art from 1960–64. He then became the apprentice of Michael Leach, at Yelland Pottery where he came to love the rich Fremington clay and earthenware of Fishley.^[2] A further year at Brannam Pottery in Barnstaple allowed him to develop his throwing skills and to gain the ability to make large pots. Residing in North Devon allowed Bowen the opportunity to help fire pots at Wenford Bridge with Michael Cardew and to meet Svend Bayer who became a lifelong friend.

In 1971 Bowen purchased a small agricultural property at Shebbear in North Devon and established his pottery with large double-chambered woodfiring kilns. Bowen still uses local Fremington clay and is internationally known and respected for his powerful yet intimate pieces. Bowen exhibits widely in the UK throughout Europe, North America and Japan.

He has been described "as a gestural decorator, even something of an action painter, applying a fluid spontaneity and broad hand to his trailing, pouring and combing. Seeing his pots in groups – runs of splendid jugs, bowls, platters and press-moulded dishes – reveals Bowen's ability to explore within the parameters of his signature forms." (David Whiting)

Bowens work can is included in a number of public collection in the UK including:^[3]

• Victoria and Albert Museum
• Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales
• Ulster Museum
• Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge
• York Art Gallery
• Aberystwyth University Gallery
• Craft Council Collection
• Royal Albert Memorial Museum

Bowen was married to Alison Leach, daughter of Michael Leach and granddaughter of Bernard Leach. Alison died and Clive married Rosie Bowen. His children, Dylan Bowen and Helena Bowen, are also potters.^[4]

• The ceramics Book, The craft Potters Association directory.2nd Ed, 2008 ISBN 978-0-9557732-0-4
• Davies, Peter, 5 Devon Potters, 2004 ISBN 0-9548083-0-4 p. 43
• DeWal Edmund "Design Sourcebook Ceramics" New Holland ISBN 1-85974-077-4 p. 116
• Crafts magazine, Sources of Inspiration – Clive Bowen, ISSN 0306-610X p. 47
• Whiting, David, Modern British Potters, 2009, A.C.Black, London ISBN 978-0-7136-8732-3.p. 19

• Clive Bowen's website