AN INDUSTRIAL ARTIST

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21465, 6 May 1935, Page 12

AN INDUSTRIAL ARTIST

MR KEITH MURRAY'S POTTERY DESIGNS

DISTINCTIONS GAINED BY NEW

ZEALANDER

A New Zealander whose work in the sphere of industrial art has recently attracted much attention in London is Mr Keith Murray. Some of his designs in pottery are to be seen at the Wedgwood exhibition at the rooms of John Bates and Company, Ltd. But this is only one field of his activities. Mr Murray was born in Auckland about 40 years ago. He went to England before the war, and joined up when the war broke out. He entered the Air Force, where he had a distinguished record, rising to the rank of squadron leader. He was at the front for the whole four years, and for the last two years continuously without leave. After the war Mr Murray, then 24 years old, took up the study of architecture in London, and soon set up as an architect. Most of the buildings he designed were cinemas. With the depression came a quiet period in architecture, and he began to take an interest in glassware. He made designs for the firm of Stevens and Williams in 1932. Those he introduced were somewhat of a new departure for English crystal, which had tended to be rather heavily cut; Mr Murray brought in designs which were nearer to the Swedish styles, with plain flutters and other simple patterns. Work Extended Mr Murray then submitted designs for pottery to the Wedgwood factory. These were used, and in 1933 he was taken on as a designer, the firm retaining the sole right for his pottery designs. A special exhibition of his work was held in London, including vases, bowls, beer mugs, and dinner ware. At the end of last year Mr Murrav submitted designs for cutlery and silverware to the firm of Maffin and Webb, and here, too, he met with success. He has recently designed several trophies. At the exhibition of industrial art held in London Vfy the Royal Academy early this year much of Mr Murray's work was selected for exhibition and was highly praised. Some of this is here at present. Mr Murray aims to become thoroughly familiar with his medium before designing for it. Actually he spent several months studying in the Wedgwood museum and factory before beginning his work. Some of his designs were made specially to be turned on a lathe made by James Watt, the inventor of the steamengine, arid still in use. He has also designed a showroom for the factory , Aviation is still one of Mr Murray's interests, and he is an ardent fisherman. He can still be called a keen New Zealander, for he takes a great i interest in his native country.