Ceramic Review
Editors: Eileen lewenstein Emmanuel Cooper 5 Belsize lane london NW3 SAD
July August 1975 Contents A Search for Order Glenys Barton Saltglaze Part 2 Off Centre Guy Brett Abuja after Michael Cardew Michael O'Brien New Members Jeannie Orr
Number 34
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My Hills Peter Lane A New Realism Jim Matthews Potters' Tips Book Reviews Exhibition Reviews Letters Forthcoming Exhibitions Classified Advertisements
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Cover- Nigerian women potters carrying their traditional hand built wares. This photograph and those illustrating the article' Abuja after Michael Cardew' were taken by the author Michael O'Brien during his time at Abuja. All the photographs illustrate traditional making and firing techniques still carried on in Nigeria. (article page 10)
Sponsorship The majority of artists find the current argument between what is art and what is craft a red herring. For them it is not the label which is important it is the object- be it sculpture, painting or pottery. When the government decided to set up an organization separate from the Arts Council to look after the welfare of the crafts, questions were raised about the wisdom of having to make an official distinction, knowing full well that it would not be a simple matter deciding which body promoted which work. In practise the CAC and the Arts Council have distributed their funds sensibly and as a general policy have blurred rather than sharpened divisions.
However doubts have arisen over recent exhibitions held at the CAC's Waterloo Place Gallery. Set in the centre of London, this small gallery is an ideal showplace for craft work. Its size does not swamp delicate jewellery or pots, yet it is sufficiently large to demand of the artist a concentrated exploration of ideas.
The recent exhibition by Lynda Ayres - 'Studies of Old Age' raises fundamental issues of CAC loyalties . That Lynda Ayres work is excellent is not in doubt. The question is not one of art or craft, but which body sponsors the exhibition in a time of limited resources. The CAC has only one exhibition gallery, and if it is filled with work which could equally well be exhibited by the Arts Council, then the recipients or non recipients of CAC largesse are upset. Budgets are limited, and in deciding the policy for the Waterloo Place Gallery the CAC must not neglect their priority of assistance to crafts and craftsmen.
Carry on Potters A third edition of 'Potters'*-the illustrated directory of the work of full members of the Craftsmen Potters Association is now on sale. The first was published in 1972 to coincide with the opening of the exhibition 'International Ceramics' held at the Victoria and Albert Museum; it proved a popular choice with potters, students and public alike. A larger and more comprehensive edition which included potters' marks was pub I ished last year and proved equally successful. The present completely revised edition is now available.
'Potters' lists all full members of the association with their addresses and telephone numbers; as with the renowned 'Who's Who' those listed write their own biographical notes; some potters choose to write about their pots, some their workshops and some their philosophy; all give useful insights into methods and attitudes. Over a hundred new black and white photographs illustrate recent work. A new feature in this third edition is a section devoted to pottery training with notes for the full time student, amateur and part-time potter. Practical advice on how best to apply for work in pottery workshops will help avoid disappointment.
The publication of this third edition of 'Potters' reflects the wide interest shown in craftsmen and their work. As an association of potters, the CPA seeks to encourage work of a high standard of craftsmanship and membership is restricted ttl potters who have established themselves as independent craftsmen. The CPA shop set in the heart of London's West End is unique in being devoted solely to studio pottery; once elected potters exhibit work of their own choosing. Visitors from Britain and overseas find the co-operative spirit of the association a reassuring and rich oasis in a commercial world. Readers will find 'Potters' reflects the co-operative spirit of the association whilst retaining the identity of the individual craftsman. *price 95p (or by post £1.10) from CPA Shop, William Blake House, Marshall Street, London W1. International Ceramics SymposiumCardiff College of Art CPA member Mary VVhite will be one of the 14 potters at this symposium whose participants come from 10 different countries. Also from the U.K., and members of the organising committee, are Alan Barrett·Danes, Tony Franks and Jeff Salter. Potters from abroad include Kimpei Nakamura from Japan and Wayne Higby from U.S.A. There will be open days for interested potters on Wednesdays August 20 and 27, 1 Oam- 5pm, and there wi II be an exhibition of finished work in the Cardiff College of Art Gallery September 8-30, weekdays 10am-5pm. The Design Council have invited the British Crafts Centre to operate a retail craft shop in The Design Centre, 28 Haymarket, London SW1 from July 1 to August 23. The work of over 60 craftsmen will be on sale in the mezzanine gallery and will include an impressive display of ceramics, jewellery, wood, silver, bookbinding etc. for direct sale, exhibition or commission.
Opening hours - 9.30-5.30 Mon-Sat. Late closing Wed . & Thurs. until 9pm. Birthday Honour? Visitors to the outstanding exhibition Michael Cardew and Associates (review page 19) will be interested to learn that Michael will be celebrating his 75th birthday in May next year - surely an excellent opportunity for a retrospective exhibition.
Next Issue Art School Shows - Raku kiln plans Ewen Henderson by Fiona Adamczewski
Previous Issues Just in case this is the first issue of Ceramic Review that you have seen, this is what you missed in back numbers, available at 50p incl p&p. (overseas 60p) from the Editors, 5 Belsize Lane, London NW3 5AD.
No. 25 . Ruth Duckworth - A great original. International Ceramics Symposum, Tennessee, 1973. Reduced Glazes in Electric Kilns- Part 2.
No. 26. Mary Keepax by Rosalind Sutton. A traditional pottery in Northern Siam by Barbara Harding . Slip Decoration at the Coxwold Pottery by Peter Dick .
No. 33. Colin Pearson by Jeannie Lowe, The Potters Wheel by John Reeve, Saltglazing. Press moulded dishes.
Ceramic Review, 5 Belsize Lane, London NW3 SAD MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTIONS Annual subscription (six issues) £3.40 Overseas rate £4.00 surface mail, by International Money Order only Air Mail rates on application, Single copy 45p. By post GOp. Overseas 70p. O j:> nions expressed are those of contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Craftsmen Potters Association. © Ceramic Review 19715 No articles may be reproduced without the Editors' permission.
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