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A Script backstamp
Some Reports on previous meetings
An Offbeat Review of our Sunday events
at our meeting in Stoke-on-Trent, October 2009 by Tony Wood.
at our meeting in Stoke-on-Trent, October 2009 by Tony Wood.
Wow – We are holding our meeting in Josiah Wedgwood’s drawing room, and on the 250th Anniversary of the founding of Wedgwood. Ghosts and atmosphere aplenty! Around the room were the fakes tables (very useful), displays of original Carlton documents, raffle prizes, a display of Mike Maunder’s Blush Ware, as well as members’ items for sale, dominated by a large number of superb Deco pieces owned by Peter Gay.
Derek Towns kicked off the morning to talk about Carlton China. Derek showed some slides of china which could only be described as delicate and beautiful. This was a period in the history of Carlton Ware when a confusing array of new but briefly active maker’s names came into our lexicon. Because of the lack of written archives a good deal of the detail of who did what to whom, when, why, with what and the order in which they did it is lost in the mists, which really defines what is fascinating about collecting Carlton Ware. Derek is an addict – sorry Derek, but you are. I really do mean this in a friendly way, because I am afflicted myself and I know the signs.
Mike Maunder followed after Derek. Mike gave a slick presentation about collecting Carlton Blush Ware which, (although Blush isn’t my bag) I enjoyed it greatly. The only problem was that I found myself ticking mental “me too” boxes as Mike described how he had first bought one piece to display in his kitchen and then became grabbed by the tentacles of an addiction as strong as Opium.
He talked about going on eBay and ending up buying lots and lots of Blush, getting out of bed to bid at 3 in the morning, having eBay on his computer 24/7 and so on – been there, done that too, Mike. Still, I now know that I am not out there alone in the wee small hours of the morning, hearing the first birds clear their throats and strike up with the chirping.
Mike is out there too (a brother in arms), hunched over the gleam of the screen with his eyes out on stalks, bags under them like biceps. Mike now has about 800 pieces of Blush ware. Never mind Mike, I’m sure you nearly have them all now.
He talked about going on eBay and ending up buying lots and lots of Blush, getting out of bed to bid at 3 in the morning, having eBay on his computer 24/7 and so on – been there, done that too, Mike. Still, I now know that I am not out there alone in the wee small hours of the morning, hearing the first birds clear their throats and strike up with the chirping.
Mike is out there too (a brother in arms), hunched over the gleam of the screen with his eyes out on stalks, bags under them like biceps. Mike now has about 800 pieces of Blush ware. Never mind Mike, I’m sure you nearly have them all now.
Kathy Niblett was our final speaker of the morning. Kathy was billed as a “local ceramics expert”. You must be blooming joking! She wasn’t an expert, she knew absolutely everything! She didn’t look it, but she must have been 250 years old to have been able to absorb all that detailed knowledge of Wedgwood in particular and the Stoke potteries in general.
Kathy gave a fantastic talk and could, I am sure, have continued for the rest of the day without notes had time been available. Regrettably, one of the subjects Kathy had to handle, in response to questions from the floor, was the recent sad demise of Wedgwood (these were murky waters indeed).
Kathy gave a fantastic talk and could, I am sure, have continued for the rest of the day without notes had time been available. Regrettably, one of the subjects Kathy had to handle, in response to questions from the floor, was the recent sad demise of Wedgwood (these were murky waters indeed).
We adjourned at this point for a buffet afterwhich we were joined by a good turnout of ex-Carlton Ware employees, whose service extended all the way back to 1931. What can one say? Their presence illuminated and enlivened proceedings no end. They were certainly helpful in establishing the production methods used in making Carlton Ware, which we discussed in our Identification session.
The exchanges which took place, especially while we watched the promotional film which Carlton Ware had commissioned in the 1950’s, were fantastic. It is a pity that we didn’t record this session for posterity, because information came to light which might never surface again. Informal discussions after the film provided even more insight into life at Copeland Street. We really must record it next year. Information like this is priceless.
The exchanges which took place, especially while we watched the promotional film which Carlton Ware had commissioned in the 1950’s, were fantastic. It is a pity that we didn’t record this session for posterity, because information came to light which might never surface again. Informal discussions after the film provided even more insight into life at Copeland Street. We really must record it next year. Information like this is priceless.
The penultimate event was the much awaited “Carlton Collider”. Is Carlton Ware radioactive? The Carlton Ware World Amateur Dramatic Society ran an experiment with pieces of “Uranium glass”, luminous clock dials and Carlton Ware(glaze sometimes contained Uranium).
The experiment involved several volunteers, in appropriate protective gear, and a Geiger counter. You bet your life some of it is radioactive! Anybody with large collections of thick orange glaze decorations had better keep it in the shed right at the bottom of the garden from now on, or you could always sell it to me (I will pay up to £2 apiece for the good stuff – generosity is my middle name). What do you mean I have greatly exaggerated the danger in order to panic people into selling their pots to me for personal gain? How could you?
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Harvey Pettit for his sterling efforts as Chairman over the last few years and welcome incoming Chair Heather Goddard to the post. Also I offer thanks to those members of the committee responsible for putting on the AGM and the other interesting events this year. This is a task I have had to undertake myself in the past and I know only too well how much work goes in to producing successful events.
The experiment involved several volunteers, in appropriate protective gear, and a Geiger counter. You bet your life some of it is radioactive! Anybody with large collections of thick orange glaze decorations had better keep it in the shed right at the bottom of the garden from now on, or you could always sell it to me (I will pay up to £2 apiece for the good stuff – generosity is my middle name). What do you mean I have greatly exaggerated the danger in order to panic people into selling their pots to me for personal gain? How could you?
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Harvey Pettit for his sterling efforts as Chairman over the last few years and welcome incoming Chair Heather Goddard to the post. Also I offer thanks to those members of the committee responsible for putting on the AGM and the other interesting events this year. This is a task I have had to undertake myself in the past and I know only too well how much work goes in to producing successful events.
Finally, the lovely Vanessa Barnish, Cuthbert Wiltshaw's granddaughter, drew the raffle and despite several committee members asking for their winning tickets to be re-drawn I finished up potless, as usual. Hey ho. Some things never change. Perhaps next year...
Tony Wood
Tony Wood
Scottish Gathering September 09
Mike Kiernan recalls the weekend
Mike Kiernan recalls the weekend
How time flies when you are having fun is the best way to describe the 2009 CWW Scottish Gathering.
Having left the airport terminal at Edinburgh Airport and collected the rental car, our next step was to meet up at the new B2B fair at Ingliston. When asking the car hire rep for directions he looked at me a bit strangely as he pointed. My gaze immediately went to the distant hills, not the large building across the road, so off we set without the need of a sat nav.
We duly parked and walked to the building, passing the gate attendant, who was trying hard to direct some poor lost soul into the showground. The attendant turned out to be Alan Yourston, Helen Martin’s partner. We exchanged greetings and kisses, not me, the wife, and even at that early hour the welcome to Scotland was truly genuine. Upon entering the enormous building we met Helen, looking extremely cool and in charge, who told us that everyone else had arrived. My heart sank for that meant all the good pieces had been bought already and true enough the first members we set eyes on were Sara and John laden down by bags of goodies. We went our separate ways and soon met up with Carole, also hastily scurrying off laden with bags to hide somewhere so that I could not see them!
Having left the airport terminal at Edinburgh Airport and collected the rental car, our next step was to meet up at the new B2B fair at Ingliston. When asking the car hire rep for directions he looked at me a bit strangely as he pointed. My gaze immediately went to the distant hills, not the large building across the road, so off we set without the need of a sat nav.
We duly parked and walked to the building, passing the gate attendant, who was trying hard to direct some poor lost soul into the showground. The attendant turned out to be Alan Yourston, Helen Martin’s partner. We exchanged greetings and kisses, not me, the wife, and even at that early hour the welcome to Scotland was truly genuine. Upon entering the enormous building we met Helen, looking extremely cool and in charge, who told us that everyone else had arrived. My heart sank for that meant all the good pieces had been bought already and true enough the first members we set eyes on were Sara and John laden down by bags of goodies. We went our separate ways and soon met up with Carole, also hastily scurrying off laden with bags to hide somewhere so that I could not see them!
Before long, we caught up with the rest of the CWW clan and it was good to meet for the first time new members, Pam from Australia, and Tony and Angela from Stockport. We spent a pleasant morning visiting the different dealer’s stands and a very friendly bunch they were.
We then all left the showground to go on to the lunch venue near Stephen and Liz’s home at Livingston. We thought it would be better to travel in convoy, apart from Nigel & Carole’s car, which being an Alfa Romeo had to proceed at break-neck speed in what turned out to be the wrong direction (Perth!). The more sedate drivers duly rendezvoused and eventually Carole, Nigel, Heather & Ray arrived to a round of applause. We then proceeded in full convoy to Liz and Stephen’s wonderous house. From the outside it looked a reasonable size but when you entered it was Tardis like, rooms the size I would kill for and then we were led upstairs to Liz and Stephens collection.
WOW is the word that sprang to mind as we saw a collection of earlier chinoiserie of outstanding quality and quantity housed in beautiful hand made oak display cabinets, which showed each piece to perfection. Liz had prepared a fabulous array of cakes - what a wrong time my wife and I had chosen to join Slimming World! The temptation was too much, including a chocolate cake to die for – and so to hell with the diet for it is not everyday you are treated to home made cakes and it would have been rude to refuse!
We reluctantly left Liz and Stephen and headed off to our respective hotels. Fortunately, Pam, our Australian visitor, was staying at our hotel so we were delighted to solve her transport problems. On the way we were passed by the Alfa and, strangely as we almost reached our destination, we saw it coming towards us again, sat nav problems?
WOW is the word that sprang to mind as we saw a collection of earlier chinoiserie of outstanding quality and quantity housed in beautiful hand made oak display cabinets, which showed each piece to perfection. Liz had prepared a fabulous array of cakes - what a wrong time my wife and I had chosen to join Slimming World! The temptation was too much, including a chocolate cake to die for – and so to hell with the diet for it is not everyday you are treated to home made cakes and it would have been rude to refuse!
We reluctantly left Liz and Stephen and headed off to our respective hotels. Fortunately, Pam, our Australian visitor, was staying at our hotel so we were delighted to solve her transport problems. On the way we were passed by the Alfa and, strangely as we almost reached our destination, we saw it coming towards us again, sat nav problems?
That evening we all met up for dinner at the hotel. A full Scottish wedding was in progress, kilts and all, unfortunately the wedding guests were less than considerate and our group at the hotel were to pay the price with a sleepless night.
The following day we all met up at the Garrion Bridge Antiques centre and it was well worth the visit. We all managed to find pieces to add to our respective collections and my wife was delighted to buy a lovely print of the type of tenement building she remembers from her childhood days in Glasgow.
Our next port of call was the World Heritage Centre New Lanark Mill. This was a really interesting place to visit and well deserving of all the awards it has won.
After lunch, we travelled to Terry and Heather’s wonderful listed home and once again we were introduced to a stunning collection of Carlton Ware. What was also fascinating was to see the incredible restoration project Terry is undertaking on the building but I and a few others did have concerns on his health and safety precautions on the scaffolding around the tower. There was no way I would have climbed the near vertical ladders without a safety harness, let alone with a bolster and chisel in hand, but it does explain why he is so fit and agile. Again more superb cakes from Heather, the legendary chocolate and coffee cake living up to its reputation.
That evening Sandra and Dougie invited us for a wee snack and to see Dougie’s unique collection of earlier and later chinoiserie. The wee snack turned out to be a superb meal.
The slimming world was far away…! (Was it you Sandra who posed for the finial to the powder bowl above? Ed.)
The fabulous weekend seemed to be over far too soon. I hope Pam, Angela and Tony were not too put off by our obsessive behaviour, or collections beyond most collectors wildest dreams. We were delighted to meet them and enjoyed their company and hope they will join us again. Worryingly, Pam was last seen heading off in Sara and John’s car heading for the wilds of Dorset. I think she went voluntarily.
The slimming world was far away…! (Was it you Sandra who posed for the finial to the powder bowl above? Ed.)
The fabulous weekend seemed to be over far too soon. I hope Pam, Angela and Tony were not too put off by our obsessive behaviour, or collections beyond most collectors wildest dreams. We were delighted to meet them and enjoyed their company and hope they will join us again. Worryingly, Pam was last seen heading off in Sara and John’s car heading for the wilds of Dorset. I think she went voluntarily.
I can honestly say that of all the Carlton Ware Gatherings this one surpassed all my expectations and our thanks go to Helen and Harvey for the planning. As for the Scottish being known as a wee bit mean I think I speak for every one, their friendliness and generosity was outstanding and to quote a Scottish saying “Haste Ye Back”, I am on my way!
© Mike Kiernan 2009.
Tuesday 23 June 2009
Worcester Wonders
Our gathering in Worcester proved to be yet another enjoyable club event. We rendezvoused in the shop to begin our tour of the Cathedral.
Club member Ian Clargo, an official guide, showed us important aspects of the building, which is one of the finest examples of English Gothic.
The picture far on the left shows Ian pointing up to the tower from the Cathedral garden. Ian was highly informative and entertaining throughout the tour, so it is not surprising to find him highly regarded.
Club member Ian Clargo, an official guide, showed us important aspects of the building, which is one of the finest examples of English Gothic.
The picture far on the left shows Ian pointing up to the tower from the Cathedral garden. Ian was highly informative and entertaining throughout the tour, so it is not surprising to find him highly regarded.
After a break for coffee, we made our way to the Worcester Porcelain Museum where we were met by Amanda Savidge, who gave us brief history of the pottery, before we visited the galleries.
Fortunately, the Museum was set up as a registered charity before the closure of the Royal Worcester works. It was a significant point in the history of the pottery since on this day the gates were closed to employees for the last time. There are strong parallels with the closure of the Carlton Ware's Copeland Street works in 1989; Price Waterhouse Coopers administered both.
Thankfully, in the early 1930s, Royal Worcester, like Carlton Ware, was saved from closure. Prior to this, Royal Worcester was owned for by Harold Taylor Robinson, who had worked for Carlton Ware with his father James Alcock Robinson and Frederick Wiltshaw, founders of W&R, eventually becoming a partner.
Fortunately, the Museum was set up as a registered charity before the closure of the Royal Worcester works. It was a significant point in the history of the pottery since on this day the gates were closed to employees for the last time. There are strong parallels with the closure of the Carlton Ware's Copeland Street works in 1989; Price Waterhouse Coopers administered both.
Thankfully, in the early 1930s, Royal Worcester, like Carlton Ware, was saved from closure. Prior to this, Royal Worcester was owned for by Harold Taylor Robinson, who had worked for Carlton Ware with his father James Alcock Robinson and Frederick Wiltshaw, founders of W&R, eventually becoming a partner.
Eighteenth century Worcester influenced the work of Carlton Ware's designer Horace Wain and shortly after joining Carlton Ware about 1912, he introduced a pattern called WORCESTER BIRDS. In Worcester circles, the pattern is known as Fabulous Birds and was first produced about 1770. On the near right is a Worcester example next to one of Wain's many versions.
The greatest parallel with Carlton Ware and Royal Worcester relates to wares made in the late nineteenth century, namely what we now term Blushware.
Worcester devotees call this Blush Ivory, from which the term Blushware derives. Despite its popularity with Worcester collectors, little has been written about it.
Current opinion, rightly or wrongly, assumes that Worcester was the first pottery to produce this type of ware with many other manufacturers such as W&R, Fieldings, makers of Crown Devon, and continental makers following. Certainly, Worcester was one of the first and introduced it in the early 1890's.
Worcester devotees call this Blush Ivory, from which the term Blushware derives. Despite its popularity with Worcester collectors, little has been written about it.
Current opinion, rightly or wrongly, assumes that Worcester was the first pottery to produce this type of ware with many other manufacturers such as W&R, Fieldings, makers of Crown Devon, and continental makers following. Certainly, Worcester was one of the first and introduced it in the early 1890's.
W&R produced this new type of decoration by 1893 and probably earlier, and before the use of the Carlton Ware moniker.
The main difference between Worcester Blush Ivory and Carlton Ware Blushware is the body. Worcester has a parian body, whereas W&R/Carlton Ware is earthenware.
Similarity, is with the style of decorations, which feature asymmetrical, mostly naturalistic sprays of flowers and leaves, with delicately shaded backgrounds. The high quality of both potteries decorations is undeniable.
At the end of our tour, we thanked Amanda and her colleagues for making us so welcome. We heartily recommend a visit to the museum.
The main difference between Worcester Blush Ivory and Carlton Ware Blushware is the body. Worcester has a parian body, whereas W&R/Carlton Ware is earthenware.
Similarity, is with the style of decorations, which feature asymmetrical, mostly naturalistic sprays of flowers and leaves, with delicately shaded backgrounds. The high quality of both potteries decorations is undeniable.
At the end of our tour, we thanked Amanda and her colleagues for making us so welcome. We heartily recommend a visit to the museum.
The morning had rushed by, and with tummies rumbling we made our way to nearby village of Rushwick to the home of Pat and Ian Clargo. Pat had prepared a mouth-watering buffet lunch for us all to enjoy.
After feasting ourselves, we viewed, with some astonishment, Pat and Ian's collection of Carlton Ware's PEACH BLOSSOM 2030. This is one of the most focused of all collections. Since this highly successful pattern was one of the first to be introduced after the partnership between Fred Wiltshaw and the Robinsons ceased, Pat and Ian's collection enables us to get a very good idea of shapes that remained in production when the Robinsons left Copeland Street.
We ended the day with a short committee meeting to discuss club affairs. We were pleased to welcome newcomer Tony Wood, who made some useful suggestions on how we could further improve our website. Thank you Tony for your thoughts and your flattering comments about Carlton Ware World and we hope you will join us at future events.
After feasting ourselves, we viewed, with some astonishment, Pat and Ian's collection of Carlton Ware's PEACH BLOSSOM 2030. This is one of the most focused of all collections. Since this highly successful pattern was one of the first to be introduced after the partnership between Fred Wiltshaw and the Robinsons ceased, Pat and Ian's collection enables us to get a very good idea of shapes that remained in production when the Robinsons left Copeland Street.
We ended the day with a short committee meeting to discuss club affairs. We were pleased to welcome newcomer Tony Wood, who made some useful suggestions on how we could further improve our website. Thank you Tony for your thoughts and your flattering comments about Carlton Ware World and we hope you will join us at future events.
Before we made our way home, we thanked Pat and Ian for their hospitality and for making the day another club gathering to remember. Is someone going to dare to suggest they start collecting FOXGLOVE!?
Friday 10 October 2008
Get-together & AGM 2008
Eric Knowles was our guest speaker this year and in his inimitable style he entertained and informed us.
If you would like to see a small selection of pictures, which also give you a flavour of the social side of Carlton Ware World then click here.
We do hope viewing this picture gallery will encourage you to join us in October next year.
The Sentinel, the local newspaper, wrote an article on the weekend, which you can read by clicking here.
If you would like to see a small selection of pictures, which also give you a flavour of the social side of Carlton Ware World then click here.
We do hope viewing this picture gallery will encourage you to join us in October next year.
The Sentinel, the local newspaper, wrote an article on the weekend, which you can read by clicking here.
Scroll down for more.
Saturday 26 July 2007
Carlton Ware World at Upton Upon Severn
We could have been back in the 1950s during our well-attended meeting. Twenty five of us met at The Church Hall, for tea or coffee and to see David Forgan's collection of Heraldic china. The gathering in the hall brought back memories of childhood Sunday School outings! The magic of the day was helped by glorious sunshine and the charming location of Upton Upon Severn, a typical small, unspoilt English town.
Carlton Ware World was delighted to welcome John and Liz Griffiths, son and daughter of Carlton Ware's designer Rene Pemberton, as well as John's wife Veronica. Liz, who followed in her mother's footsteps, is head designer for the fashion house Missoni and had travelled all the way from Milan to be with us.
Our next port of call was The Tudor House Museum to view David's display of Rouge Royale, amongst many other fascinating exhibits. We were warmly welcomed by Lavender Beard, the curator and owner of this extraordinary private museum in the town centre.
The museum's beautiful secluded garden was another joy. Lavender could well have been from a Miss Marple story and we did wonder how many murders she had solved!
The museum's beautiful secluded garden was another joy. Lavender could well have been from a Miss Marple story and we did wonder how many murders she had solved!
We returned to the Church Hall for a delicious lunch, supplied by the White Lion Hotel, to prepare ourselves for the biggest treat of the day - to see David's extensive collection of Chinoiserie by Carlton Ware, Wilton Ware and Crown Devon.
Some of us took the riverside walk to David's home. On arrival, our astonishment at the wares on display is difficult to describe!
No one could have missed the largest CHINALAND ginger jar any of us had seen. Unusual patterns in rare ground colours and shapes abounded and we all congratulated David on his dedication in putting together such a representative and perhaps definitive collection of Carlton Ware Chinoiserie.
We then returned to the Church Hall for a committee meeting to plan future events and to finalize arrangements for our October meeting in Stoke-on-Trent.
For those staying overnight, dinner had been booked at The White Lion, a highly regarded hotel in the locality, and the evening meal met all expectations and ended a perfect day.
More was in store for Sunday with a visit to the Malvern Flea & Collectors Fair, which is run by founder member and advisor Helen Martin. All enjoyed the bargain hunting, especially Mike, who found a Hiawatha vase and a WORCESTER BIRDS tobacco jar.
More was in store for Sunday with a visit to the Malvern Flea & Collectors Fair, which is run by founder member and advisor Helen Martin. All enjoyed the bargain hunting, especially Mike, who found a Hiawatha vase and a WORCESTER BIRDS tobacco jar.
Finally, a round of applause for our host David Forgan, who we cannot thank enough for his welcome and hospitality. And, thanks too for the ladies of Carlton Ware World for refreshments and organising the delicious lunch.
We are so pleased that all had a really enjoyable weekend and we all look forward to another. If you weren't able to join us this time, then we warmly welcome you to the next.
If you would like to read a more detailed report on David's collection, written by Helen Martin click here. ❑
We are so pleased that all had a really enjoyable weekend and we all look forward to another. If you weren't able to join us this time, then we warmly welcome you to the next.
If you would like to read a more detailed report on David's collection, written by Helen Martin click here. ❑
Scroll down for more.
For the record our 2007 meetings
2007 was another good year for the club with several well-attended events.
One of the highlights was a visit to the first UK exhibition dedicated solely to Carlton Ware.
This wonderful display - Carlton Ware, the Art Deco Years - was held by Carlton Ware World founder member, John Masters, at The Design Gallery in Westerham, Kent, which John opened in 2003.
Copies of the excellent catalogue for the exhibition will soon be available through this website. The front cover is shown above.
One of the highlights was a visit to the first UK exhibition dedicated solely to Carlton Ware.
This wonderful display - Carlton Ware, the Art Deco Years - was held by Carlton Ware World founder member, John Masters, at The Design Gallery in Westerham, Kent, which John opened in 2003.
Copies of the excellent catalogue for the exhibition will soon be available through this website. The front cover is shown above.
The site is best viewed with a monitor resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels or greater.
Images by Harvey Pettit © Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.