In the world of pottery, Anita Harris is a renowned British ceramic designer and decorator, best known for her vibrant, expressive glaze work and her role in reviving interest in hand-decorated pottery in the UK.
Anita Harris began her ceramics career working with major names in British pottery. She honed her craft at Poole Pottery, where she was head designer for over a decade, and also worked with Moorcroft Cobridge Stoneware and Black Ryden, showcasing her deep understanding of both traditional and contemporary techniques. Her work is responsible for many new pottery glazes and designs, including exclusive designs for Liberty, Harrods, Tiffany and Bloomingdale’s.
In the early 2000s, she co-founded Anita Harris Art Pottery in Stoke-on-Trent alongside fellow designer Samantha Johnson. Now, with her son Peter, Anita and Peter run the family business together, just the two of them, producing highly collectable, hand-decorated ceramics that marry traditional craftsmanship with bold, modern designs. Each piece is signed and made in limited quantities, making them particularly attractive to collectors.
Anita Harris pottery is known for:
- Vivid, reactive glazes, often with flowing, flame-like or crystalline effects
- Floral and landscape themes, frequently inspired by nature, fantasy, the Mediterranean and her British heritage
- A unique fusion of Art Nouveau influence and modern design, with eye-catching colour palettes and fluid lines
- Animal figures and motifs painted in her signature style
Her techniques often involve multiple firings, lustres and hand-painting, giving her pieces a jewel-like quality.
Anita Harris has gained a strong following among collectors who value both her skill and artistic vision. She is part of a generation of British ceramicists who helped to reinvigorate interest in studio pottery and decorative ceramics at a time when mass production was dominant. Her studio continues to produce new collections, and our auctions often feature pieces of her work.
Upcoming Anita Harris Pottery at Auction
If you’re interested in owning some Anita Harris pottery for yourself, check out some of the lots we have coming up as part of our 20th-Century Pottery, Collectables & Jewellery Auction next month.
Lot 246 is a signed Anita Harris Horse Head figure with ocean colour reactive glazes that’s estimated to sell for £35-£70.
This adorable signed Anita Harris Koala Bear figure is set to sell for £30-£60.
Lot 242 is a large signed Anita Harris Honey Bee Brook Teardrop Vase with an estimate of £45-£90.
This signed Anita Harris Ruby Snowdrop Skittle Vase is looking to sell for £35-£70.
Lot 283 is a charming signed Anita Harris Seahorse model that’s set to find a new home for £40-£80.
This large signed Anita Harris Puffin Tear Drop Vase is estimated to sell for £40-£80.
Lot 239 is an Anita Harris Square Vase featuring a tree frog. It’s set to sell for £35-£70.
This Anita Harris Stonehenge Purse Vase is looking to sell for £25-£50.
How to Buy or Sell Anita Harris Art Pottery at Auction
At Potteries Auctions, we regularly feature Anita Harris pottery in our sales. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to her work, our team is here to help you discover or part with these beautiful pieces.
To buy Anita Harris at auction, keep an eye on our upcoming auctions page or sign up for our newsletter to stay up-to-date.
Or get in touch with us if you’re looking for an expert evaluation and are seeking to sell your Anita Harris pottery. Free valuation days are held every Tuesday at our Silverdale saleroom and every Thursday at our Cobridge saleroom – to book an appointment, use our online booking form here.
Due to popular demand, we have also started to offer a private valuation service for premium items. Please contact us directly to arrange an appointment by emailing amy@potteriesauctions.com.
You can also email us at enquiries@potteriesauctions.com or call us on +44 (0)1782 638100, or valuations can even be provided via WhatsApp – simply send some clear images of your items via the app to 07864 667940.