Kathleen Ryall was born in the Staffordshire potteries town of Burslem, England, where many generations of her family were potters and ceramic manufacturers. She earned a B.A. in art and design from the University of Cardiff, Wales and holds a M.A. in ceramics from Staffordshire University. She worked for several years as an industrial designer and modeller, prior to establishing her own studio.  Kathleen came to the USA in 1990 and now lives in Oxford, North Carolina.

 

The industrial process of manufacturing translucent porcelain is complex, as is its history. During the Eighteenth century, the now famous European and English factories attempted to emulate the Chinese master potters; developing materials and manufacturing techniques that transformed the process of potting and broke it free from the limitations of the potter's wheel.

Kathleen Ryall's porcelain now utilizes many of these traditional techniques.  Her training and background enables her to combine the technical versatility of the industrial process with the individuality of the artist potter.  At the heart of her work lies a sophisticated design sense, resulting in distinctive elegant shapes which are prized for their satin and opalescent finish, and uncompromising quality.