Functional Work: Current and Historical Reconstructions 2014

Some functional works from the fall of 2013.

The four platters are wheel thrown with high-fire B Mix. My designs make use of underglaze colours, stenciling and some tissue prints.

 

Casserole with underglaze patterning & tissue prints

     

Historical Reproductions for Re-Enactment Groups
The following pieces are historical reproductions from the Saxo-Norman period. Historically, there were three main groups known as Saxo-Norman dating between c.700-1007. I was particularly interested in the last, more advanced group referred to as Stamford Ware (900-1100AD).  The local clay was low iron and light or buff coloured. They are exceptional in that they are the first glazed pottery (lead-based glaze in the form of powdered galena) to be produced in England since Roman times.

Stamford Wares

These were my first attempts at reproducing the Stamford Wares. My main concern was for the basic form to scale, colour of the clay and incised decoration which we made from antlers (as were the originals). The interiors of the originals were usually left unglazed, however, for health and safety they have been glazed with a clear coat. The lead-based exterior glaze typically found on these has been replaced with a clear coat. I am still working on the coloration - aiming for specific green and "ochre yellow". I am now in the process of testing various copper green glazes to find one that would come closest to the originals. The spouted pitcher is a wonderful design - cheers to that potter!