"This beautiful, treasured, Lucie Rie ceramic has been standing on my bedroom mantlepiece next to my daughter’s first shoe for many years. 

I met Lucie Rie in 1985 at her studio, and she was so direct and engaging I was truly impressed and, with hindsight, deeply inspired. I never dreamt of owning a Lucie Rie, it was the close friendship between Dr Deb Doniach and myself that led to my inheriting this calm, glowing artwork. I can’t believe I am giving it away; however, I feel very strongly that both Lucie and Deb would believe in the mission of FiredUp4 if they were alive now, and would be delighted to support us. It is for that reason that I gift this precious piece to the auction, with these extraordinary women, in their absence. I know we would all three say together, ‘hooray for clay’"- Kate Malone

Donated by Kate Malone from her personal collection, Long-Necked Oval Vase is a wonderful piece made by Lucie Rie (1902–95).

This vase was bought directly from Rie by Deborah Doniach (1912-2004), a leading figure in modern immunology and a collector of art; she and Kate became close friends at the start of Kate’s career. Knowing of Malone’s passion for ceramics, Doniach bequeathed the Rie vase to her. Malone is now in turn donating the vase to FiredUp4, believing passionately that the two female pioneers and teachers before her would have found joy in the knowledge that proceeds from the sale of this pot will help young people to express their creativity through the wonders of clay.