A Little Pot with a Story

I came across this small covered casserole online. As soon a I saw it, I kind of went, ‘hmh!’ Somehow there was some sort of familiarity with this little pot, although I have no idea how that would be. It’s story is that it was made at Wenford Bridge Pottery sometime in the 70’s. I’m not sure why it’s captivated me so – it’s not a complex pot, it wasn’t made by any big name potter, certainly not a Cardew, it bears only the Wenford Bridge stamp and was most likely made by some anonymous production potter working there at the time. There’s just something about it – like it needs to tell a story of some kind. I think I need to pick it up; to take it in my hands, turn it over and feel the marks and ridges from the fingers of the potter who made it. Hopefully with a bit more negotiation, it will be on it’s way to a new home here in Pennsylvania. I think it belongs here.

And so it was this little pot that was the inspiration behind some of the pots I finished off in the studio today. Kind of my version of the casserole – upsized a bit, kind of ‘Americanized’ as you will for larger portions.

I made the bottoma wee bit wider and added some texture to the lug handles with my corrugated board tools. Just half a dozen thrown and finished off today, and although not exactly the same as the little inspiration pot, I’m pretty happy with them.

One more full day of throwing and I should have enough for another bisque kiln full. Then onto glazing! A bit less than a month until my three day show, so I’m trying to fit in as many pots as possible. Hopefully, once I finally have my glazes figured out, there will actually be a blog post showing finished pots! Tomorrow – off to Philly for some weekend potting fun