In 1976, the BBC made a series called "The Craft of the Potter", it was presented by the late Michael Casson, (1925-2003), a truly lovely man, a man so enthusiastic about his craft that it was impossible not to smile in his company, I had the good fortune to meet him several times, but never had the money, nor the good sense to buy one of his characteristic jugs.
The jug, or pitcher, in particular, what he called a "harvest jug" is the form which I think he most loved. Everything about him seemed larger than life, he'd make a jug with swift, sure movements, coat it with slip, and with a deft swipe of the thumb, a decoration would appear.
Mick always seemed to be wearing a smock, as loved by cornish fishermen, he always looked, to me, like a mediaeval character, the bearded character we'd see in the margin of some illuminated text, or the peasant potter carved in some cathedral.
Okay. I confess, I wanted a smock like that too, then I'd look like a "real" potter.
There was a book to go with the T.V. series, I have a copy, the series seems to no longer be available from the BBC, the last version I can see is on video cassettes, and the five 25 minute programs were available as part of the BBC's educational resources at the bargain price.... wait for it....... of £625:00. ($919:00) I'll bet they didn't exactly fly off the shelves! So far I've only found one fragment on youtube. Somebody out there must have it.
Ha! just noticed he says his wheelhead "batts" (circular discs on which the clay is thrown) are made of asbestos. It will be asbestos-cement, we had those at college too; funny how we are so paranoid these days about asbestos, yet in the seventies it was everywhere. If it really is as bad as we are told, then I'll definitely die of it, because in my school we used asbestos mats in the chemistry lab, asbestos mittens too, the pipes were lagged with asbestos insulation, my kiln had asbestos cloth under its wiring connectors..... It was everywhere, still is.
I know what you mean about asbestos. You're right about Mick--what a friendly guy and don't you just love a very round pot shape?
ReplyDeleteI like your jug up there, pretty amazing for a yellow lump fresh from the ground!
what a great video... i watched it before i read your post and i was thinking he looked like a medieval peasant also with the smock and beard. he seemed to be extremely charming and he must have been in good shape to narrate while wedging and throwing with no noticeable winded-ness. amazing.
ReplyDeleteGary; I love a very round pot shape. A curve that fits my hand. Mmmm. Enough said.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the words. That clay was pretty much ready to go, I just wedged it, softened it with a drop of water, wedged again, picked out a couple of stones, and slapped it on the wheel. It fires a good, hard, darkish red.
I think the house owners might get upset if I start quarrying their lawns though.
Jim: I'll bet he'd have been delighted to be seen as a mediaeval peasant!
He was truly as charming as he appears there, very patient with the stupid questions we student types would ask. Enthusiasm. He had it. Lots of enthusiasm.
A joy to see! I was so lucky to have met him quite a few times and every time he was just the same - the kindest, most friendly person you could ever wish to meet. I'll never forget the day I heard that he had gone. xxx
ReplyDeleteI was the photographer for "The Craft of the Potter" book and - although many years have passed since spending so many weeks with Mick - I can remember his enthusiasm and beaming face as if it were yesterday.
ReplyDeleteEd: I just looked through the book again to refresh my memory. As a potter starting out in the seventies, full of enthusiasm, I loved the bbc series, wish it was available now, and of course I bought the book, studied all those pictures you took, those cross-sections and finger-grips, and I have to thank you for those clear sequences, which showed me new ways to work. There's such a wealth of information there, and, of course, most of it is just as relevant today.
ReplyDeleteI'm assuming you had sessions in museums too?
Did you have any interest in pottery before the book commission? how did you come to get the job?
I am looking for Lynne Reeve and found her in the BBC video! We became friends when she lived in New Mexico and I have been trying to contact her since she returned to England some 7 years ago. Does anyone know her and how I might contact her? Thanks sincerely, Maryann Cutter(Coultas)
ReplyDeleteMaryann, I also need to find Lynne Reeve, there are some royalties owing to her. Did you ever track her down? Thanks, Anna Jackson
DeleteI found an episode the The Craft of the Potter on a video cassette in an old hobby shop. The copy is terrible but it was very informative and a joy to watch. This particular episode related to slip decorating, was resist and brushes. Your posted video is the only other one ive seen, thank you for posting it.
ReplyDeleteHey, JB, that's truly amazing. I really wish I could find the whole thing. Somewhere out there, someone must have the full set in a watchable condition. But who? where?
Delete