Barbara Willis 1917-2011
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.
Barbara Willis 1917-2011 items
More California Pottery
March 5th, 2012 at 12:03 am
Thank you barbara for the best down to earth conversation and being the most memorable part of my baps experience the only year we ever participated I was purely awestruck with her as she was one of my most favorite mid century artists and remembering her say”I didnt know was famouse til they hunted me down to write this ca pottery book” (Jack chipmans ca pot.) “I didnt beleive him at first. barbara your great contribution to mid cent art pottery will live on will live on forever Thank you