Barry Brickell New Zealand, 1935-2016

Barry Brickell was a well-known New Zealand artist, potter, and conservationist who is best known for his unique and distinctive ceramic works. Born in Auckland in 1935, Brickell attended the Elam School of Fine Arts at the University of Auckland and later trained in pottery in England and Japan. Brickell returned to New Zealand in the late 1960s and established his own pottery workshop on the Coromandel Peninsula, where he spent most of his life. He quickly gained a reputation for his hand-built, wood-fired pottery that was inspired by the natural environment around him, including the native flora and fauna of the area. One of Brickell's signature styles was his use of unglazed clay, which he would fire at high temperatures to create a distinctively textured surface. He also experimented with glazes and slip decoration, producing works that were both functional and sculptural in nature. In addition to his pottery, Brickell was a passionate conservationist and environmentalist. He founded the Driving Creek Railway and Potteries, a heritage railway and ecological restoration project on his property in Coromandel. The project became a popular tourist attraction and allowed Brickell to combine his love of pottery, the environment, and sustainable living. Throughout his career, Brickell received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to New Zealand art and culture. He was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2004 for services to pottery and conservation. Barry Brickell passed away in 2016.

We have records of art auction sales by Barry Brickell from 1994 and in total 52 works by the artist have been offered for sale, of which 48 (92%) were sold. The highest price recorded for the artist is $19,843 for Trickle Fountain sold by Art+Object in May 2023. This year 4 works have been offered for sale. Works by Barry Brickell are held by the Museum Of New Zealand, Christchurch Art Gallery and Auckland Art Gallery.