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Winchcombe Pottery
The Cardew-Finch Tradition
Ron Wheeler
Introduction by David Whiting · Catalogue by Helen Brown

from the reviews  |  the author  |  bibliographic details

Winchcombe ranks alongside Bernard Leach's St Ives as one of the pioneer studio potteries in Britain. Michael Cardew revived the old country pottery in 1926, and his ground-breaking work, and the later developments under Ray Finch, have earned it an important place in ceramic history.
Survival for this most tenacious of English craft potteries has often been hard. This is a story of skill, integrity and dedication, enlivened by telling use of reminiscence. With its strong team ethos Winchcombe has been a magnet to generations of potters, some now very well-known, who came to train there and were touched by its values.
This fine study includes a colour catalogue covering both the special pieces sought after by collectors and the endlessly pleasing standard ware for daily use; also a chronology, potters' marks and other useful material.

FROM THE REVIEWS
'Ron Wheeler's very readable book contains an admirable introduction by David Whiting and a clear, technically instructive, no-nonsense catalogue by Helen Brown ... it is the book which brings to life the characters and atmosphere of the workshop at different periods.' (Crafts Magazine)

'an excellent account ... a beautifully illustrated catalogue ... Printing, presentation, potters' marks and profiles are exemplary.' (Decorative Arts Society Newsletter)

'A highly readable account of the most successful producers of high quality tablewares, with many historical images as well as excellent illustrations of great pots'. (Ceramic Review)

'If you have an interest in the history and development of studio pottery you will definitely enjoy reading this book.' (Scottish Potters Association Newsletter)

THE AUTHOR

Ron Wheeler was for twenty years Chief Executive of the local authority covering north Gloucestershire. During this time he became keenly interested in Winchcombe Pottery. Since his retirement in 1996 he has devoted himself to researching the history of the pottery.
Helen Brown has worked in museums since 1979 after graduating from the University College of Wales at Aberystwyth. Since 1986 she has been at Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museums where her current post is Keeper of Visitor Services (Job Share).
David Whiting is a curator and critic in the field of applied arts and a regular contributor to magazines such as crafts and Ceramic Review. As son of the potter Geoffrey Whiting he has known Winchcombe Pottery since he was a small boy.

BIBLIOGRAPHICAL DETAILS
ISBN 1 873487 08 8 paperback £15.99
168pp., 246 x 189 mm, 59 colour, 72 b&w illustrations
Published in association with Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museums 1998
DESIGN HISTORY/CERAMIC HISTORY