This course will outline the evolution of British ceramics, esthetic and technical
development brought to Britain or imported from Rome, Northern Europe, Spain,
and the Middle East, Italy and Asia. All had significant influence on British
ceramics. In addition, an abundance of natural resources important to ceramic
production was available. The industrial revolution, which began in Britain,
made Britain the largest producer of ceramic ware outside of China. The steam
engine invented by Newcomen and Watt, revolutionized ceramic production.
This course will also deal with the social and philosophical movements that came
from or influenced ceramic potteries. Among them child labor laws, and the
philosophy of the Arts and Crafts movement. The course will also discus the
art, philosophy and importance of major 19th and 20th century ceramic artists in Britain and their
influence on American artists and ultimately the American university ceramic
art curriculum.
The flow of the class will be from the
Peasant Potter, per 1600’s [although they did not fully die out until 1920’s]
to the Industrial Potter emergences during the 1700’s through the industrial
revolution, and industry‘s lost of will to make art pottery, to the independent
Victorian artist potter peak at 1920’s, to the studio potter of today.
