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‘Viola Ayling and Grace James Retrospective’ by Kew Historical Society - online exhibition

Shining a light on the often overlooked contributions of women to the visual arts during the mid-20th century, this exhibition highlights the works of 2 local, yet largely unknown practitioners​ — Viola Ayling, a ceramicist from Kew, and Grace James, a dressmaker from Surrey Hills.

Viola Ayling’s ceramics, crafted in her workshop and fired in her brick kiln, range from functional to decorative pieces. Her work reflects a blend of technical skill and inventive design, offering a unique look at the intersection of utility and artistry in post-war ceramics. In contrast, Grace James’ creations encompass a wide array of garments, including daywear, evening wear, and special occasion outfits such as wedding dresses, all made from fabric and knit.

Image credit: Viola Ayling, ‘Reticulated vase’, c. 1960–70, glazed earthenware, 21 x 19 cm, Kew Historical Society Collection, image courtesy of Kew Historical Society. Coby, detail from ‘The Desert’, 2024, mixed media (acrylic, oil, glue), 122 x 180 cm, image courtesy of the artist. 
Grace James, detail from ‘Multicoloured knitted long coat dress’, 1969–1988, wool, Kew Historical Society Collection, image courtesy of Kew Historical Society.

Photograph of a long-knitted coat dress displayed on a mannequin, featuring a button-down front and a high, ribbed collar. The garment has a red base with multicoloured block patterns in shades of teal, pink, purple, and grey. The cuffs are ribbed and gathered, and the coat has a loose, straight silhouette that extends to mid-calf length.
Grace James, ‘Multicoloured knitted long coat dress’, 1969–1988, wool, 118 x 61 x 35 cm, Kew Historical Society Collection, image courtesy of Kew Historical Society.
Photograph of a long-sleeved, ankle-length dressing gown displayed on a mannequin. The garment is constructed from a variety of colourful fabric patches, including florals, checks, polka dots, and solid colours like red, yellow, turquoise, purple, and black and white. The dress features a V-neckline, a buttoned bodice, and a gathered waist, creating a flared lower half.
Grace James, ‘Patchwork dressing gown’, 1987, various materials, 125 x 86 x 40 cm, Kew Historical Society Collection, image courtesy of Kew Historical Society.
Photograph of a floor-length, sleeveless dress displayed on a mannequin. The fabric features an all-over pattern of large, floral design in shades of pink, purple, and black. The dress has a V-shaped neckline with overlapping panels at the bust and a fitted bodice that flares into a wide, flowing skirt.
Grace James, ‘Valedictory dress’, 1971, floral jersey, 147 x 55 x 22 cm, Kew Historical Society Collection, image courtesy of Kew Historical Society.
Photograph of a shallow, round ceramic dish with a dark brown glossy glaze. The interior surface is decorated with carved out floral and fan-like patterns in a lighter beige colour.
Viola Ayling, ‘Dish’, c.1950–c.1960, glazed earthenware, 4 x 15 x 15 cm, Kew Historical Society Collection, image courtesy of Kew Historical Society.
Photograph of a bulbous, light brown ceramic vase with a small opening at the top. The surface features carved floral and leaf motifs, with cut-out sections between them that create a lace-like design. The glaze is smooth and glossy.
Viola Ayling, ‘Reticulated vase’, c.1960–c.1970, glazed earthenware, 21 x 19 x 19 cm, Kew Historical Society Collection, image courtesy of Kew Historical Society.
Photograph of a ceramic vessel with a deep green glaze, featuring a tall, narrow neck and a pointed lid. The spout is short and angled, with a ridged, spiral design. The body is rounded and decorated with evenly spaced horizontal ridges, and a single curved handle extends from the upper neck to the midsection.
Viola Ayling, ‘Lidded ewer’, c.1950–c.1960, glazed earthenware, 16 x 22.5 x 14 cm, Kew Historical Society Collection, image courtesy of Kew Historical Society.

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