Nearly a decade of research has gone into its creation, most of which
has been through first-hand accounts related by the potters themselves.
In order to discover and explain why this brief blossoming of semi-commercial
and hobby potteries occurred immediately after WW11 and then
as quickly disappeared, it was necessary for the author to return to
the days of Federation. A rare combination of immigrants, returned
soldiers and creative peoples' potteries left behind a curious mixture
of wares which have been variously described as souvenirs, art pottery,
domestic pottery and kitsch.
'The People's Potteries' is a 216 page
hard cover book full of illustrations. Approximately 500 photos show
the potters, their catalogues (where available), memorabilia as well
as photos of pots mentioned in the text. In addition there is very
large coloured section of approximately 1000 images where the author
has identified previously unidentified pieces.
Because over 90% of Australian potteries of this time were established
in NSW, the 24 potteries featured are those which were operating in
or around Sydney. They include Anna, Casey, Diana, Florenz, Martin
Boyd, Modern Ceramic Products, Pates, Vande and many others.
A supplementary list of around 300 potters Australia-wide,
records location and years of operation as well as indication if their
wares are now considered rare.
Each story begins with the name and address of each owner as well as the operational period and a description of each pottery mark.
A special chapter offers comprehensive
advice and information which will be invaluable to collectors and
includes a section on how to judge the value of these wares. This should be of great benefit to antique
traders and dealers in addition to historians.
Book Contents
Foreword - Contributed by Grace Cochrane,
Senior curator, Australian decorative arts and design,
Powerhouse Museum, Sydney, 2002.
Section 1 - 8 Chapters
Influences from home and abroad
The Waratah or the Wattle?
The decade when potteries proliferated
Progress and hazards
The floodgates open to imports
New waves of immigration
The Waltzing Matilda Jug
The Ceramic Art and Fineware Association
Section 2 - The Potteries
Anna, Brownie Downing, Casey,Cula, Diana, Delamere, Easton, Fisher,
Florenz, Holden, Kalmar (AACP)
Kemety, Little Sydney, Martin Boyd, Meroh, Merton Daisy, Merton Geoffrey, McCredie,
Modern Ceramic Products (MCP),
Pates, Rohova, Seccombe, Terra Ceramics, Vande, Doulton, Fluss, Other potteries
of interest post WW11.
Section 3 - Identifying Design and Potters
Form and decoration pre WW1
Between the wars
Fashion and use post WW11
Display is important
Themes of decorations post WW11
Making and marking of pots
General guide to value
Useful terms
There are 70 coloured plates with hundreds of pots from
all featured potteries. Photographs of the potters themselves (where
available) as well as many black and white photos illustrating the text.
Six catalogues - Studio Anna, Diana, Fisher,
MCP, Pates, Vande.
Index
