Ceramics Saturdays: Charles Voltz

I thought I would go through a few more ceramics and potters in my personal collection after I did John Almeda. Charles Voltz was a French potter who set up shop in the 1950s in the renowned region of Vallauris, famous first for its range of native clays and later for the ceramicists who came to work with them, including Picasso. Voltz’s pieces were stylish but utilitarian, low-fired terracotta in a signature fire-orange glaze, primarily made for the tourist market. He made a *lot* of pieces, so if you browse enough vintage shops, you’ll likely bump into them sooner or later–they’re very distinctive. I ended up with a coffee set that looks similar to the one pictured above (from Ebay), and I use the mismatched extra saucers for all kinds of things from spoon rests to tea bags to plant saucers. I find that well-designed objects elevate mundane daily tasks…and I’m looking forward to collecting more Voltz when I get the chance.