A Len Castle Alkaline bowl, porcelain with a deep blue alkaline glaze and a chatter pattern. Maker's mark impressed to base, height 9 cm, width 22.5 cm. Len Castle (1924-2011) is an instantly recognizable figure to many New Zealanders. He had a deep fascination with central North Island geothermal activity and the un-humanized landscape. In addition, he placed great value on form. These attributes are evident in many aspects of his designs. Castle has received many prestigious honours, including a CBE in 1986, an Arts Foundation of New Zealand icon Award in 2003, a DCNZM, and an offer to convert this into a knighthood.