Richard Bampi

Richard Bampi  (1896-1965) was born in Amparo/São Paulo, Brazil. A German citizen, he attended school in Lörrach and Karlsruhe, later studying architecture at the Technical University of Munich, and at the Bauhaus in Weimar. 

In 1927, he established the “Fayence-Manufaktur Kandern GmbH” (FMK) ceramics studio, taking over overall management of FMK and starting the ceramic-technical studies in 1934. Later, he established a ceramic experimental laboratory and produced stoneware with feldspar glaze in collaboration with Julis Bissier.

Bampi spent the 1940s and 1950s exploring abstract and asymmetrical sculpture and painting in pottery, and in the late 1950s and early 60s he concentrated on porcelain stoneware and developing crystalline glazes.

In 1951, he was one of the founding members of the Society of Friends of Ceramics , an association of collectors, dealers, art historians, artists, and enthusiasts of all ceramic styles and periods. In his will, he bequeathed his entire scholarly and artistic estate to this group, stipulating that the assets be used to establish a prize to support young ceramic artists. 

Source: www.richard-bampi-preis.de