WHAT’S NEW IN POTTERY

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31125, 30 July 1966, Page 2

WHAT’S NEW IN POTTERY

(By

ZALIA THOMAS)

The 33 members of the British Pottery Manufacturers’ Federation recently held a china “fashion show” at London’s Carlton Tower Hotel where guests were invited to examine their latest designs and learn something of new developments.

At present the British pottery industry is suffering from an acute staff shortage, which is really not surprising when one learns that it takes 60 pairs of skilled hands to

produce every one of the more expensive English bone-china teacups. During recent years, millions of pounds have been poured into research and development and this is now beginning to pay off. Last year the total sales of members’ wares reached an alltime high of £8.5 million and in the export field, too, English pottery and china is advancing.

Surprisingly, the Scandinavian countries are now showing a preference for traditional English china with its intricate designs and floral decorations, in contrast to their own functional pottery which has become so popular with British housewives. Although manufacturers of tableware are working at top speed, orders are sometimes running six to 12 months behind, but it is hoped that the new hover kiln, developed by Shelley Furnaces in conjunction with the National Research Development Corporation, will accelerate production.

The principle of the kiln was stimulated by the hovercraft in that the pottery passes through the ovens on a cushion of air. Quite apart from its use in ceramics, it could revolutionise firing techniques in many other industries such as those dealing in metals. At present it is thought that the hover kiln will halve fuel costs. With earthenware cups it will bring down the firing cycle of 12 hours (the fastest time at present) to only one hour, during which it could produce up to 200 dozen cups. Moreover, it is thought that export sales to other industries throughout the world could reach phenomenal figures. Improved making techniques, factory lay-out and new litho and printing developments should also help to speed production. In addition, the industry has now established many schemes to attract key men and women, including travelling scholarships. Many British pottery

designs have a guaranteed replacement period of 10 years (possibly more), but this is one aspect of the trade which bewilders the potter, who asks: “Why does a woman discard a suite of furniture or a set of barely worn curtains, costing many pounds, without hesitation, yet go to endless pains to replace a broken cup from a cheap, outdated teaset long after it has been acquired?” While many of the traditional designs still persist, there is a movement among several manufacturers towards the knobless tea or coffee pot, as they feel that the knob serves no useful purpose. One firm shows handleless coffee cups in black basalt, with the base treated to prevent burning the fingers. Some idea of the range offered by the 33 manufactures can be gauged from the prices which range from £2 17s 6d to £47 15s for a 21-piece tea set.