A LIFE IN CRAFT: THE GRAINER COLLECTION

London, UK - May 2025: Maak, the leading auction house specialising in Contemporary Ceramics and Craft, is delighted to announce the sale of the extraordinary collection of British studio ceramics and craft from the private collectors, Marc and Diane Grainer.

This highly anticipated auction will take place during Maak’s auction week, from 10-15 May 2025, coinciding with London Craft Week. The sale will feature some key 300 works selected from the family’s extensive collection, providing collectors with a rare opportunity to acquire exceptional pieces from some of the most celebrated ceramicists and craft artists.

Marc and Diane Grainer, from Washington DC, have been passionate collectors since their first acquisition in 1981 and active patrons and philanthropists to the craft community, both in the United States and the UK. Over the past 45 years they have amassed a remarkable collection, focusing on artists active from the 1980s to today, which spans ceramics, metalwork, furniture, woodwork, jewellery, fibre and sculpture. Their collection highlights the technical virtuosity, aesthetic innovation, and craftsmanship for which British studio ceramics and craft are renowned.

The Grainers also consider this collection their legacy and will donate 5% of the sale proceeds to the Crafts Council in recognition of their longstanding relationship and desire to support the Crafts Council in its future projects.

“We’ve always been captivated by the incredible craftsmanship in British ceramics and craft, which is what drew us to start collecting in the early 1980s,” says Marc Grainer, former Director of the American Crafts Council. “From ceramics to metal and wood, the quality of British craft is unparalleled, and over the years we have been fortunate to acquire some of the best pieces from this rich tradition.”

The Grainer’s British Studio Ceramics collection represented more than 190 artists in total and features works by some of the most influential artists of their time, including Lucie Rie, Alison Britton, Carol McNicoll, ​ Gordon Baldwin, Ewen Henderson and Richard Slee. Alongside these ceramics, Marc and Diane’s craft collection includes key works by prominent figures in British, European and American craft, such as John Makepeace, Jim Partridge, Breon O'Casey, and Anthony Bryant. These artists are renowned for their innovative work in wood, fibre and metal and their inclusion in the Grainers’ collection highlights the breadth of craftsmanship.

“The diversity of the collection is one of its most exciting aspects,” says Diane Grainer. “From refined ceramics to striking furniture and sculpture, we’ve always focused on collecting works that have something unique to say. The collection offers a full range of British craft, showcasing exceptional pieces in both traditional and contemporary styles.”

“Our collection has always been about more than just the material or the artist's nationality,” Marc explains. “It’s about finding work that speaks to us both aesthetically and technically. British ceramics and craft have always been a rich source of that kind of work, offering beauty, creativity, and exceptional skill.”

With such extensive collections, Marc and Diane’s home and guest house are filled with museum quality decorative arts. Marc describes their philosophy on living with an art collections as inhabiting a “living museum”.

“I can’t tell you how much living with this craft collection has enriched our lives. We experience fantastic art in every room (yes, including the bathrooms) of our house. My philosophy has always been that it’s a crime to keep most of our ceramic collection in storage away from view.”

Now at a time in life when downsizing has become inevitable, the Grainers are excited at this opportunity to once again bring their collection together for public appreciation, hoping that this opportunity will allow others to experience the joy of being immersed in exceptional creativity. This culmination follows a previous exhibition, ‘Contemporary British Studio Ceramics: The Grainer Collection’, organised by the Mint Museum of Craft + Design, Charolotte, North Carolina from October 2010 to March 2011.

The Grainer Collection will be offered at auction during Maak’s auction week, from 10-15 May 2025. For more information about the auction and to view the collection, please visit Maak’s website or contact the auction house directly.

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About Maak
​Maak is the leading auction house specialising in contemporary ceramics and craft. Known for its expertly curated sales and dedication to showcasing the best in international ceramics and craft, Maak provides a platform for collectors to acquire rare and exceptional works from both established and emerging artists through both their regular auction schedule and private sales.

www.maaklondon.com | @maak_auction

For further press information, please contact: Christine Samuelian / Friends&Co 07957 203 037 / christine@friendsandco.co.uk