We were saddened to learn of Barbara Willis’s passing today. She was one of the greats, and while we only had a few of her pieces (and only the less valuable decaled ones), what mattered is that she was such an important and influential potter in the California pottery scene.

We actually got a chance to meet with her at the Los Angeles Pottery show 2 years ago, and she signed her book for us as seen in the photo above. The LA Times wrote up a detailed obituary for her as well.

I almost don’t feel right about saying this - but I wonder how prices for her work will be affected after her passing. Barbara Willis’s pottery was already extremely collectible, and very difficult to find “in the wild”. I’ve never come across one in thrifts - only at flea markets and antique stores.

Do you have an interesting story about Barbara Willis? If so, please leave a comment - we’d love to hear it.