Vintage 1980s Studio Art Pottery Charger – Hand-Painted Paul Roche Heron Pottery Folk Art Bird Plate (Over 30 cm)

An exceptional, large-scale vintage studio art pottery charger plate produced by Paul Roche at Heron Pottery in 1980.

• The Maker & Studio: Crafted by the highly regarded Welsh master craftsman, studio potter, and former arts tutor at Coleg Sir Gâr, Paul Roche, who operated Heron Pottery from Harolds Farm on Chain Road (near Milford Haven and the Bush School area in Pembrokeshire, Wales). Roche was widely celebrated for his exceptional, intuitive handling of clay and his striking, historically inspired studio pieces. Because his pottery output from Harolds Farm was limited compared to commercial workshops, pieces like this carry significant local historical value for regional Welsh studio pottery collectors.

• The Piece: Measuring just over 30 cm in diameter and possessing a reassuring weight of over 2 kilograms, this substantial earthenware charger showcases charming hand-painted folk art decoration. Large, highly decorated wheel-thrown chargers of this caliber command a premium over smaller utilitarian kitchenware. The warm honey-yellow glazed face features a stylized central bird motif surrounded by smaller birds and intricate dotted border detailing, framed by a cross-hatched rim and bold handwritten lettering reading "HERON POTTERY 1980".

• The Reverse: The unglazed terracotta reverse reveals characteristic hand-thrown concentric spiral marks and is deeply inscribed and hand-signed by Paul Roche alongside the date. A sturdy wire wall-mounting loop is fitted into the back edge for secure display.

Dimensions:

• Diameter: Just over 30 cm

• Weight: Over 2 kg

Specifications & Details:

• Item: Large studio art pottery charger / decorative wall plate

• Maker/Studio: Paul Roche, Heron Pottery (Pembrokeshire, Wales)

• Date/Era: 1980 (Vintage 1980s Studio Pottery)

• Materials: Heavy red earthenware / terracotta clay with hand-painted slip and glazes

• Design Features: Folk art bird motifs, handwritten "HERON POTTERY 1980" border, inscribed artist signature on the reverse, and integrated wall-hanging wire

Condition

Wonderful vintage condition. The glaze is bright with classic fine overall crazing consistent with authentic mid-to-late 20th-century studio earthenware. The heavy terracotta body is sound and solid, and the hanging mechanism is securely attached. Review all high-resolution photographs to inspect the condition.

🌿 Our Antique Ethos

We source antique and vintage pieces for their craftsmanship, character, and individuality, selecting only those that stand out and carry a story worthy of passing on.

Explore curated inspiration, reference boards, and new finds on Pinterest:

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/antiqueforager/

🌿 Shipping

Free UK postage. Worldwide delivery available — rates vary by destination and weight and are calculated at checkout. Every item is packed and insured.