A Life in Craft | The Grainer Collection of Contemporary Ceramics and Craft at Maak
Some collections are particularly special – unique manifestations of the dedication and commitment to a singular purpose that has driven the collectors over decades. The collection of Marc and Diane Grainer – respected patrons and passionate collectors of Contemporary Ceramics and Craft – is one such collection, that specialist auction house Maak is presenting to market this May.
A select group of over 200 works from this extraordinary collection will be offered across two parallel auctions of Contemporary Ceramics and Contemporary Craft in London, presented alongside other important pieces from a range of distinguished collections. Together, these sales will offer collectors a rare opportunity to acquire exceptional works from some of the most celebrated ceramic and craft artists to have worked over the last 100 years.
Marc and Diane – from Washington DC – have spent more than four decades collecting and supporting the craft community both in the United States and the UK to bring together a remarkable collection that spans ceramics, metalwork, furniture, woodwork, jewellery, fibre and sculpture, focusing on artists active from the 1980s to the present day. The works reflect their deep appreciation for the technical virtuosity, aesthetic innovation, and craftsmanship for which British studio ceramics and craft are renowned.
“Our collection has always been about finding work that speaks to us both aesthetically and technically. We’ve always been captivated by the incredible craftsmanship in British ceramics and craft, which is what drew us to start collecting in the early 1980s. The quality of British craft is unparalleled, offering beauty, creativity, and exceptional skill, and over the years we have been fortunate to acquire some of the best pieces from this rich tradition.” – Marc Grainer
Since their first acquisition in 1978, their involvement has gone far beyond collecting. As active patrons and board members, they’ve worked with organisations such as the American Craft Council, The Furniture Society, the Mint Museum Founders’ Circle, and the James Renwick Alliance. In keeping with their longstanding commitment to giving back to the community that has given them so much, the Grainers have chosen to donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale to the British Crafts Council with the hope of helping to support its work into the future.
“Marc and Diane have had an unwavering passion for British craft for many decades, and have built up an extraordinary & enviable collection. Their commitment to supporting the Crafts Council through the auction of their collection comes at a most welcome time, and will help us continue our work of supporting the makers of today and tomorrow. It is a generous act of philanthropy that we are deeply grateful for.” – Natalie Melton, Executive Director Crafts Council
The British Studio Ceramics component of the collection features works by some of the most influential artists of their time, including Lucie Rie, Alison Britton, Carol McNicoll, Gordon Baldwin, Ewen Henderson and Richard Slee. The Grainer’s ceramics collection was the inspiration for the seminal exhibition, Contemporary British Studio Ceramics: The Grainer Collection, presented by the Mint Museum of Craft + Design, Charlotte, North Carolina from October 2010 to March 2011. Alongside these sit works by the leading craft makers renowned for their innovative work in wood, fibre and metal including John Makepeace, Jim Partridge, Breon O’Casey, and Anthony Bryant.
“The diversity of the collection is one of its most exciting aspects. From refined ceramics to striking furniture and sculpture, we’ve always focused on collecting works that have something unique to say. The collection offers a full range of British craft, showcasing exceptional pieces in both traditional and contemporary styles.” – Diane Grainer
With such extensive collections, Marc and Diane’s home is filled with museum quality decorative arts. As described by the London based Craft Historian and Author, Tanya Harrod: ‘The best collectors are as creative as the best gallerists and the best artists. This was especially true of the Grainers, who had beautiful shelving and cabinets commissioned to show their ceramics in what was in effect a house museum. Snaking through the centre of the house was a memorable spiral staircase that made a multiplicity of views of the collection possible. I remember looking down onto a case of John Ward pots, an arrangement that empowered and strengthened each individual piece by Ward. It was a magical interior, not least because of the light coming into the house through its curtain walls of glass, softened by the trees and shrubs outside.’
“Our home was designed with a desire to live with our art collections like a ‘living museum’. I can’t tell you how much it has enriched our lives. We experience fantastic art in every room (yes, including the bathrooms) of our home. My philosophy has always been that it would be a crime to keep our collection away from view.” – Marc Grainer
Now, as they begin the reluctant process of scaling down, in parallel to having made significant donations from their collections to US Museums, the Grainers see the auctions with Maak as a final opportunity for their wider collection to be experienced by others with the chance to acquire and live with works they’ve cherished.
The Maak auctions and their importance to the secondary market are integral to this circularity of collecting and collections. The other highlights of ceramics and craft being offered in the two auctions also come from private UK and international collections. In the Contemporary Ceramics auction these include works by Bernard Leach, William Staite Murray, Lucie Rie, Hans Coper, James Tower, Elizabeth Fritsch, Jennifer Lee and Magdalene Odundo. The dedicated Contemporary Craft auction offers wide ranging works including three wall hangings by Peter Collingwood and a group of Liam Flynn ebonised vessels.
The two Maak auctions Contemporary Ceramics and Contemporary Craft will take place during London Craft Week, from 10-15 May 2025. For more information about the auction and to view the collection, please visit Maak’s website or contact the auction house directly.
About Maak
Maak is the leading auction house specialising in contemporary ceramics and craft. Known for its expertly curated sales and dedication to showcasing the best in international ceramics and craft, Maak provides a platform for collectors to acquire rare and exceptional works from both established and emerging artists through both their regular auction schedule and private sales.
Captions
- Lot 40, 41 – Kari Lonning, each £400-500
- Lot 75, Lucie Rie, Sgraffito Bowl, circa 1970, Est £20,000-30,000
- Lot 80, Tessa Clegg, Band Box, circa 2003 – £600-800
- Lot 88, James Tower, Ribbed Chest Form, 1984 – £12000-18000
- Lot 92, John Makepeace, Phonenix II Chair, 1998 – Est £15,000-20,000
- Lot 102 & 261, Liam Flynn and Jennifer Lee, £600-800 and £10,000-15,000
- Lot 225, Alison Britton, Green and Beige and Turqouise Pot, 1983 – £2000-3000
- Lot 232, Carol McNicoll, Barcelona Pot, 1998 – Est £1000-1500
- Lot 259, Magdalene Odundo, Early Untitled Pot, circa 1980 – Est £20,000-30,000
