Wetheriggs Pottery is an excellent study on a small provincial British pottery located in Cumbria in the Lake District. A maker of coarseware, basic pottery of utilitarian functions, the pottery was opened in 1855 to make tiles and bricks for the local farms. The making of household articles commenced with the development of the railways which opened many markets for the pottery. The pottery, with its original beehive kiln, now serves as an arts center and museum.
Author, Barbara Blenkinship explores the history of the pottery in detail. Well-written and a pleasure to read, she commences with a history of the pottery, followed by sections on the people associated with it and its wares. Each section has numerous historical photographs and illustrations. A short section on the back marks and decorative patterns used on the pottery are provided to aid in identification.
The second half of the book presents approximately 200 pieces, each with color photographs and a detailed description. This part is divide into three sections: (1) Unmarked Brown Ware - Illustrated Examples from the first period of production of unmarked utility ware;
(2) Sponged Ware/Agate Ware and Coloured Ware - This period covers the introduction of coloured glazes and decorative ware from about 1900 through to 1972;; and (3) Coloured Ware After 1973 - Examples from this period can be easily distinguished from the former by the fact that their bases are unglazed. Values are not provided, but few, if any, of these pieces are of great monetary value.
Price: $24.50
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