Victor Priem (Latvian, 1925-1989): A Stoneware Flat Bottle, abstract geometric pattern, signed Victor Priem 134, 72cm; and Two Other Vases (3)

Victor Priem (born in Riga, Latvia) joined the German Air Force, but was captured by the Allies and brought to the UK as a prisoner of war. He was selected to act as an interpreter in a prison camp near Brighton. At the end of the war he was allowed to stay in the UK as long as he worked as an agricultural labourer. After a full working day, he cycled to Brighton College of Art, where he was training as an art teacher. It was there he also met his wife, Veronica. After completing his training, he worked in a secondary school in West Yorkshire, occasionally working with staff from Ripon College of Education. He later joined the Art Department of that College, where he was mainly responsible for pottery and sculpture. Many pieces of his work were commissioned and purchased privately by friends and colleagues. He had two exhibitions at the Manor House, Castle Yard, Ilkley, as well as other galleries in Yorkshire.