This exhibition by the Piraeus Bank Group Cultural Foundation aims to showcase aspects of the long-lasting course of the Kourtzis family of potters. This course also highlights aspects of local history, customs and practices, and techniques directly linked with the development of the art of pottery on the island.

Panagiotis Kourtzis marks the start of a long succession not only of generations but also of a series of pottery workshops that developed with the passage of time. The basic workshop he initially set up in the courtyard of his house at Agiasos village passed down to his son Nikolas, and thus handicraft developed to professionalised cottage industry. Elias Kourtzis, of the following generation, experimented with new material and new techniques. His “archaic” works were influenced by the forms of ancient Greek pottery. Yet Nikos Kourtzis was the one who, during the first half of the 20th century, gave new impetus with his typical “blackware” creations. Younger potters such as the sisters of Nikos and their husbands also contributed to production. Earning prizes, commendations and two patents, the Kourtzis-Pantazis workshop prospered significantly.

During the 1960s with the help of the National Organisation of Greek Crafts (EOEX) a new kiln was built, and thus production reached levels to cover not only demand from Athens but also from the rest of the country as well as abroad. Younger generations with higher studies continue this work following new pathways. Elias Kourtzis and his daughter Elpida manage to find great scope for artistic expression in the very same material, clay.
MUSEUM OF INDUSTRIAL OLIVE-OIL PRODUCTION OF LESVOS
Agia Paraskevi, GR 811 02 (Lesvos) - Tel: (+30) 22530 32300
Exhibition duration: 6/7/2018 - 15/10/2018