Ruth Duckworth (1919-2009) is known for her experimental, often sculptural approach to ceramics. Born in Germany she came to Britain in 1936 as a refugee. She trained as sculptor and later studied ceramics at the Central School, London. She is known for hand-built, coiled, often asymmetric forms, with matt crusty glazes, often inspired by nature. She began teaching in Chicago in the 1960s and eventually left Britain, where she felt her work was not appreciated, to work in the United States and concentrate on more sculptural forms.