This is the foreword from the "Picasso's edited ceramic works" catalogue by Alain Ramié.
It was on the 21st July 1946 that Picasso, sojourning at the home of his friend and engraver, Louis Fort, at Golfe-Juan, decided to visit the annual potters exhibition in Vallauris. What were his actual intentions? Was it for the sake of a visit or rather to discover something that could capture his interest? The fact remains that he let himself be trapped by the mischievous genius he thought he could provoke. As the organizers of the exhibition were commenting on each exhibitor's pieces, he took a particular interest in the Madoura stall, and asked to be introduced to the authors of these works. Suzanne and Georges Ramié then welcomed him in the Madoura Pottery workshop. He thus readily ended that day, grappling with the fresh clay and modelling three subjects which were left to be dried and baked. Only one year later Picasso came back and asked about his pieces. Much to his delight, they were shown to him in excellent condition. He at once asked to get back to work. His request was granted! A part of the workshop was arranged for his behalf, and he promptly set to work, taking from a portfolio sketches that he certainly drew in anticipation of that moment. Picasso tackled ceramics with his genius and prodigious creative imagination, under the close initiation of Suzanne Ramié who provided him with her vast knowledge of the tricks of the craft. Then it came to pass that after an intense period of work, he sought the ability to repeat certain of his works. It was then essential to transpose into ceramic reality the method already put into practice in graphic art, but for this new application, the basis of the graphic design originated from very different principles.		This particular difficulty was solved by adopting two methods, whose various techniques were carefully examined: 1st: the authentic replica of an original by exact repeating of volumes and illuminations. 2nd: the transfer from an original subject engraved on a hardened plaster matrix, by applying a fresh sheet to take clay impression. This second method, called "Original print of Picasso", is authenticated by a stamp engraved on the reverse side of each piece. These two methods combined are commonly called Ceramic editions of Picasso". In both cases, pieces so edited are certified by an edition monogram or a graphic sign that appears on the reverse side, neck or base; and for some of them by the piece number within a production series. For forty years, the constitution of these collections, edited and produced with exclusive rights by Madoura Pottery, has been in constant evolution. Although some productions came to an end due to the limited number of the allowed copies and were withdrawn, others, newly designed for editing, have been shown. This catalogue shows the whole of these collections produced throughout the years, and provides the following information for each piece: the date of creation by Picasso, size, creative process, the colours and the number of copies edited. It is certainly of vital interest to the numerous art lovers wishing to broaden their knowledge of this important part of Picasso's work. Alain Ramié

Pablo Picasso and Suzanne Ramié.	Picasso in the Pottery.
Picasso and Alain Ramié.	The Pottery.

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