John ffrench

Born in Dublin in 1928, John studied at the National College of Art and Design and the Istituto Statale D'Arte in Florence. This distinguished artist, whose ancestral home was Castle ffrench near Ballinasloe first exhibited his paintings and pottery in 1948. Since then his remarkable career has led to a considerable international reputation.

The artist has worked in the Brogi Studio, Florence; the Ring Ceramic Studio, Kilkenny; The West Bengal Design Studio, Calcutta and the Dolphin Studio in Massachusetts. He has exhibited in Dublin, Florence, Calcutta, Reykjavik, New York, Frankfort and many other places.

One of the pioneers of studio pottery in this country, John founded Arklow Studio Pottery in 1962, and in later years established his own ceramic studio near Kinvara in County Galway. He also taught ceramics for many years before his retirement.

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We are deeply saddened and diminished by the passing of our dear friend of many years, an outstanding artist, one of nature's gentlemen.

John ffrench died on January 22nd 2010, after a short illness.