Our History

Founded in 1946

Primavera was founded by Henry Rothschild and first opened its doors in 1946 at 149, Sloane Street, London.

The 1940s

In the 1940s Primavera stocked crafts such as Winchcombe and Crowan stoneware, tin-glaze from the Cole brothers' Rye pottery, moving onto tableware, in 1948, contributed by Lucie Rie. In 1949 Primavera brought in textiles, and by the mid 1950s was an artistic centre for fine textiles. Around the same time Primavera began stocking furniture, both bought-in, and exclusively designed for Primavera.

The 1950s

1953 saw the first exhibition at Primavera in Sloane Street, which was devoted to two continental potters. Subsequent exhibitions were diverse: toy making, ceramics, sculpture and even Sicilian cart carvings and Dutch pastry moulds. A folk art exhibition held in 1963 included artwork from Peru, Mexico, Crete, Italy, India, Russia and Africa.

Move to Cambridge

Primavera opened in Cambridge at 10, Kings Parade. Jeremy Waller purchased Primavera in 1999, and so the foundations were laid for what is now known as one of the world’s best contemporary art galleries.

Changes over the years

Primavera has seen many changes in the world of Art and Crafts over the years. From the beginning British craft was sought out, including country potteries, basket makers and studio potters. The latter group included the now-famous Ray Finch, Bernard Leach and Lucie Rie.

Exclusively British Artists

Now Primavera shows work exclusively by British artists, continuing the well-researched exploration into contemporary arts and crafts begun in 1945.