The Potter's Art

This is a history of the ceramics produced in Britain, showing the traditions that have led to the work of such 20th century artists as Lucy Rie, Coper, Cardew, Leach and Hamada. The central role of British ceramics in the world has its roots in the Industrial Revolution. Wedgwood's marriage of art and industry led the way, and created an industrial centre in Staffordshire that eventually led to the demise of the small craft-based potteries producing delftwares and stonewares. This was followed by the domestic production of fine china and procelain in factories throughout the UK. It was in the late 19th century that the role of the industrial designer began to be questioned, and the ideas that led to the studio pottery movement of the 20th century began. In between came the artist potter and the use of factories such as Mintons with their ranges of pots. The book tells the history of that movement and of the way practising potters took part. The continuing story of the pottery movement is represented by craftsmen such as Alison Britton and Angus Suttie. This general survey discusses the production of ceramics against a background of people and ideas, and the illustrations clearly show the development of ceramics across four centuries.