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Pottery.
 An abundance of coal and clay is the main
reason for the Pottery Industry becoming established in North Staffordshire.
Burslem became the mother town of Pottery. Before 1700, potters were
criticized for digging holes in the roads to obtain clay - a practice that
gave rise to the term ‘potholes’. By 1740 a substantial pottery industry had
been established. To begin with the clay for pottery came by boat, pony and
on peoples backs. The nature of the pottery industry was changing constantly
as new materials and ideas were tried. Most pottery companies had a short
life, but some in existence today were founded by master potters. Two of the
most ‘famous names’ in pottery are Wedgwood and Spode. Many other famous
names contributed to the advancement of the pottery industry over the years
- Adams, Minton, Mason, Aynsley and Doulton in dinner ware, Twyford and
Doulton in sanitary-ware.
The provision of machinery and supplies for the specialized pottery industry
has led to the concentration of ceramic color makers, pottery machinery
makers as well as the millers who prepare the body and glaze materials
essential for the pottery manufacturers.
Today, ceramics is a modern industry. Machines have removed much of the
unskilled repetitive work, but the skills of pottery making are still based
on the expertise and skill of the workers.
Pottery is one of the most durable, yet one of the more fragile, of all
materials. Pottery will last for centuries, without changing or
deteriorating in the slightest. Archeologists depend on finding pottery in
sites they search to help them understand the culture and the capabilities
of ancient civilizations. However, one sharp blow can break a piece of
pottery into a thousand pieces making it impossible to repair. Durability
varies between the different types of pottery. Specific instructions for the
care of individual pieces of pottery should always be obtained from the
original potter. Different types of clay, glaze and firing temperature
alters the functionality of pottery. For example, some pottery will be
suitable to hold food and water while other pottery is not.
Pottery is often
safe for use in a microwave or dishwasher; but must be checked with the
potter. Some pottery is only considered as decorative e.g. Raku. Functional
pottery, using only lead-free glazes, is safe for food and drink.
 Metal oxides provide the color in pottery because these are the only
materials that will survive the temperatures pottery is exposed to when it
is fired, and also have color. Sometimes the colorants for the pottery may
be in the clay itself. It may be in a slip, in an under glaze layer or in the
glaze. Sometimes color is even applied as an overglaze in the pottery. The
variations in color that are achievable in pottery through metal oxides are
almost endless. Many factors contribute to the resulting pottery color
change. The different oxide metals causing the color changes in the pottery
are: Iron, Chromium, Copper, Cobalt Manganese, Nickel, Vanadium and
Titanium. Some potters will discuss the color composition of the pottery but
some consider that a trade secret in development.
To find more information on how pottery can
improve the splendor and the appearance of your landscape, garden or yard,
please click on the following links:
For any questions or suggestions regarding
your pottery selection or installation, please do not hesitate to
Contact Us.
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