Ben Uri Research Unit

Born: 1931 Sydney, Australia

Died: 2000 Australia

Year of Migration to the UK: 1950

Other name/s: Hermia Sappho Lloyd-Jones, Hermia Lloyd-Jones

Biography

Artist Hermia Boyd (née Hermia Sappho Lloyd-Jones) was born in Sydney, Australia, on 10 August 1931. She emerged from a creative family, as the daughter of graphic artist Herman Lloyd-Jones and his wife Erica. Hermia’s path into the art world began with her studies in sculpture under Lyndon Dadswell at East Sydney Technical College from 1945 to 1947. During this time, she met David Boyd, who would become both her life partner and artistic collaborator. They married in 1948, marking the beginning of a prolific partnership that soon saw them emerge as prominent figures in Australian ceramics. Together, they co-founded a pottery studio in Sydney, where they developed and showcased their initial pottery line, ‘Hermia Ware’, introducing their distinct style to the local art scene. The Boyds also worked alongside Melbourne potter, Tom Sanders, crafting both commercial ceramics and one-off pieces for exhibitions. Their ceramics were notable for combining functional and decorative elements, created primarily from terracotta and earthenware clays. The designs often drew on medieval and Byzantine themes, which were brought to life through sgraffito techniques—designs scratched into the clay’s surface to reveal underlying layers. This intricate detailing became a hallmark of their work, which bore various signatures, including ‘Hermia Ware’, ‘Hermia’, and ‘D + H Boyd’, reflecting the collaborative nature of their partnership.

In 1950, the Boyds took their practice to Europe, a move that would prove transformative. Establishing a studio in Pinner, northwest of London, they quickly made a name for themselves in the UK ceramics world, attracting both commercial success and critical acclaim. Their distinctive pieces, characterised by vibrant colours and intricate historical designs, stood out among British ceramics. The British Crafts Council recognised their artistry by granting them a licence to produce ceramics for the prestigious 1951 Festival of Britain. Their work also featured in major London shops, where it quickly gained popularity among collectors. In the mid-1950s, they showcased their pottery at a prominent exhibition in Mayfair’s Barling’s Gallery. Hermia's artistic influence extended beyond pottery during her time in England, and she created the ‘Capricornia’ figure for her sister, Cyltie Jessop and Joan Keast’s Australian art shop in London, showcasing her versatility as a designer. During this period the couple's pieces bore marks such as ‘Boyd / England’, highlighting their connection to the British market and their growing reputation in both Britain and Australia. Their London studio became a creative hub that shaped their work and allowed them to refine their style further, blending traditional influences with contemporary appeal. Hermia's work remained deeply rooted in traditional materials and techniques, especially in her ceramics. She frequently utilised manganese and copper oxides, layering or inlaying them into glazes to add unique textures and depth. Her thematic exploration of medieval and ancient imagery made her work distinct from the prevailing mid-20th-century modernist trends, which often favoured Anglo-Oriental stoneware. This adherence to earthenware and historical themes gave her pieces a distinctive quality, though it sometimes meant her work was overlooked, particularly as the Australian ceramics scene embraced newer styles.

After a productive period in London, the Boyds spent time in a southern French village, Tourettes-sur-Loup, where they continued to create pottery, influenced by the rustic culture and landscape. In 1956, they returned to Australia and resumed their ceramics practice, though their artistic focus began to shift as they pursued individual interests. By 1961, the couple had relocated to Rome, where David moved into painting and sculpture, while Hermia ventured into etching and other visual arts. This new chapter in their careers led them to close their pottery in Murrumbeena in Melbourne by 1968 and focus entirely on their individual artistic pursuits. Prior to this, In 1966 the Boyds held a joint exhibition of their pottery at the Minories, Colchester, back in England and, the following year, Hermia held a joint show with her sister, at Clytie's gallery in Sloane Avenue, featuring their paintings and drawings.

Hermia’s later work continued to diversify, embracing etching, printmaking, and set design. Her talents in the theatre emerged in productions such as Lola Montez at the Elizabethan Theatre and Miss Julie at the Russell Street Theatre, where she designed costumes and sets. Additionally, she illustrated book covers, including the first edition of Citizens of Mist by Australian author Roger McDonald. Her evolving artistic repertoire was displayed in a solo exhibition at South Yarra Gallery in Australia in 1971, where she showcased sculptures, bronzes, and drawings. Her influence and enduring contributions to the art world were recognised in a retrospective exhibition held at Sydney's Macquarie University Library in 1997, covering her extensive career from 1945 to 1980. Hermia Boyd died in Australia on 25 January 2000. Her work is not currently represented in the UK public domain.

Related books

Alan McCulloch, Susan McCulloch, and Emily McCulloch-Childs, The New McCulloch's Encyclopedia of Australian Art (Fitzroy: The Miegunyah Press, 2006), p. 276
Hermia Boyd: A Retrospective Exhibition of Selected Works from 1945-1980 (Sydney: Macquarie University, 1997)
Max Germaine, A Dictionary of Women Artists of Australia (Sydney: Craftsman House, 1991), p. 45
Max Germaine, Artists and Galleries of Australia, (Sydney: Craftsman Press, 1990), p. 73
John Vader, The Pottery and Ceramics of David & Hermia Boyd (Sydney: Philip Mathews, 1977)

Related organisations

East Sydney Technical College (student)

Selected exhibitions

Clytie Jessop’s Gallery, Sloane Avenue, London (1967)
Pottery David and Hermia Boyd, The Minories, Colchester, Suffolk (1966)
Festival of Britain, Soutbank, London (1951)
Barling’s Gallery, Mayfair, London (mid-1950s)

Ben Uri archive

Consult items in the Ben Uri archive related to [Hermia Boyd ]