Amazing Glaze

Amazing Glaze

The glazed surface of a pot — its colour, texture and lustre — is often what first attracts us. At Winter Weekend 2027 we shall not focus on technology and chemistry, but will discuss how the use of glaze has inspired ceramic creativity, from the medieval world to the modern day.

We will explore a fascinating range of glazes and the many purposes they have served: to decorate, to protect, to waterproof and to transform the appearance of ceramics. How did changing tastes, materials and techniques influence this development of ? Did the introduction of glaze alter the shapes potters made, the decoration they chose, or the ways in which pots were used? And what can we learn from the enduring appeal of the unglazed, or ‘dry-bodied’, wares?

Through talks spanning centuries and cultures, we shall consider the choices potters made to glaze—or not to glaze—their creations, and discover how those decisions continue to shape the ceramics we admire and collect today.

Speakers include

Paul Atterbury, David Barker, Robin Emmerson, Nicola Scott.

In addition to our featured speakers, at least one session will be devoted members’ papers – if you have a short 15 minute paper on a glaze subject or your latest research that you wish to offer for the programme please let the organisers know as soon as soon possible so we can try to include it.

Handling Session

As renovation work continues at the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, we are thrilled they have made it possible for us to have a handling session.  This year, led by archaeoloist Dr. David Barker,  we will concentrate on excavated fragments from a range of Staffordshire sites covering a wide time span and many different types of ceramics

Venue

This is a residential seminar held at the Hilton Garden Inn, Potteries Way, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 4QA

Bursary

The NCS makes a bursary available to members or non-members who feel they would benefit from the opportunity to attend summer school. The bursaries cover conference sessions, meals and accommodation but not travel to the venue.  Burary application  here