Roland Zobel

Roland Zobel is a French ceramist born in October 1945 in Fort de France, Martinique. He is the son of Martinique writer Joseph Zobel (1915-2006). Roland François Zobel studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Bourges, before specialising in ceramics at the International School of Faenza (Italy). He settled in the Gard region, in the village of Générargues, between Alès and Anduze. The location is significant, as the town of Anduze has been a major centre of pottery production since the 17th century. It was here in Générargues that Roland Zobel set up his ‘Les Cyclades’ pottery. Although he is known in the region for his revivals of the famous Anduze vase, it is above all the modernism of his mirrors and sun masks and the humour of his bestiary that have made his reputation. His favourite animals include happy birds, greedy fish and scenes that refer to Lafontaine’s fables and Greek mythology (with the return of Ulysses), hence the name of the studio, Les Cyclades. His work reflects the joyful spirit of this generous man. A trombone player, Roland Zobel has also been active in village affairs for several terms.