In March 2024, the National Museum of Ireland acquired three ceramics by John ffrench to the collection. The works, spanning from the 1960s to 2000s, further the Museum’s commitment to expanding its interpretation and presentation of contemporary art by focusing on acquiring these works by a distinguished pioneer of Irish studio pottery.

John ffrench (1928-2010) was an Irish ceramic artist who was known for his use of bright colours and unusual shapes. He was born in 1928 in Dublin and after studying at NCAD, he was inspired by his travels in the Mediterranean and India. ffrench was instrumental in the design industry in Ireland setting up the Ring Ceramic Studio in Kilkenny with Peter Brennan in 1956, being closely involved with Kilkenny Design and also the set up and running of Arklow Studio Pottery (1962-9). ffrench’s work has continued to receive acclaim and appreciation, particularly since his death in 2010.

The three ceramics acquired by the Museum represent the many different styles, form and influences of ffrench’s work across several decades. The circular platter was made in Arklow Studio Pottery in the 1960s and feature the iconic blue birds which appear in many of ffrench’s pieces during that era. The bowl and hanging decoration are some of his later pieces that were created in his studio in Kinvara, Co. Galway.

These ceramics are currently on display in What’s in Store?, ground floor, Collins Barracks.