Diary
Completing the handle on the jug couldn’t happen immediately as the handle had become too dry. So I had to make a new one and then let it dry a bit before I fitted it.
I threw a bowl with constant interruptions as dad was in hospital and I was open for 10 Parishes. I tried my best to make a different bowl and one that did not have the ridge. The video is in several pieces for day 51 but you will know why when it appears.
I didn’t turn anything as it was all too wet and this afternoon dad put on the kiln. I am looking forward to seeing my woman and have my fingers crossed that she will survive. The bubble wrap inside is making the firing particularly toxic so we can’t go in there until the fumes go – all the doors are open to get a through flow of air.
I also found out that the internet is really bad in the shed so my idea of working and researching out in the gallery was a pointless thought and in reality an impossibility. Grrr
News
Threw another big pot today, keeping my hand in, as I try to improve my skills at throwing larger amounts of clay.
Tried to make a handle on a jug on my own – it was ok but not brilliant
Open for 10 Parishes
Research
My questions
- What is the earliest pot we have in our joint collection?
- What is the oldest pot we have in the SAHNS collection?
- Can you tell me where they were found?
- Can I take a photograph of them when I come?
- How many pots do we have in the joint collection?
- How many does SANHS own of those and how many of them are photographed.
Some information I have found
Early pottery was vey simple, low fired and made to hold things. I held one of the oldest pieces of pottery when I looked around the SANHS collections. I have to say it felt amazing.
The idea that I was holding something made by someone in prehistoric times made me have a moment. The understanding that the first pots were round bottomed, didn’t have decoration, were unglazed and were hand built but are still one of the go to things to help us understand our history was a huge thing for me. My dad has been making pottery for over 40 years and is now 80. His pots will be around for others to see in, possibly, 6000 years time.
I like the idea that it is pottery that is one of the things that does not change and is with us forever, as forever as rock is anyway.
Pottery goes through a chemical change that makes it different from paper, film metal etc. It is a material that will last through time and will tell part of our story long after we have gone.
So what I would like to do is tell the story of pottery as I find out about it and use the SANHS collections to inspire me to create pieces.
I currently feel like the luckiest person on the planet and that I have been given the opportunity of a life time. This challenge is harder than I ever thought it would be but the rewards are amazing and I am learning so much.
Pot of the Day Process Gallery
Thrown
Clay type: We are now not 100% sure but we think it is toasted stoneware.
Turned and decorated
Decoration: I have made two lines on the wheel and have put a handle on the pot.
Biscuit Fired
Kiln: ?
Programme: ?Temperature: ?
Duration: ?
Date: ?
Glazed
Oxide: ?
Slip: ?
Glaze: ?
Kiln: ?
Temperature: ?
Date: ?
Win a pot from the 100 days
To enter the draw to win one of the 4 best pots, as chosen by Chris Jessop at SANHS, please donate using either Facebook, the donate box or directly to the office.
Donate and join the raffle through the SANHS Website. You can take a look at the reason why we are raising this money!
Click on the picture below to get to the donate button on the SANHS website. Don’t forget to share so other people can join in the raffle and help us raise money.
Or donate through our Facebook Fundraiser
You can do this by clicking the picture below. There you will find a post at the top of the page which will enable you to donate directly to facebook. Don’t forget to like our page. You will then find out what is going at Kenley and at SANHS.
Or donate directly to the office either by visiting us or you can post us a cheque or use the phone.
Somerset Heritage Centre, Brunel Way, Norton Fitzwarren, Taunton TA2 6SF
Telephone 01823 272429
The SANHS office is normally open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
Why not become a member? We always need volunteers to support us to protect our heritage.
