A Collector’s History of English Pottery covers the subject with insight and wit. Various working potters have commented on Griselda Lewis’s previous books, and particularly how, by linking their work to that of earlier times, she has put it into perspective. This continuity is not the least of the charms of English Pottery. Another aspect of this fascinating craft is humour as the author shows in her examples of 17th century slipware chargers, 18th century pew groups, 19th century Staffordshire figures, and even modern kitsch. There is also much else to delight the collector in this fascinating book.
‘It would be hard to find a more original group of illustrations and they are chosen with a most individual and lively taste… this book triumphantly succeeds in the most difficult task of all, that of arousing enthusiasm. I unhesitatingly recommend it, whether to open experienced eyes to new delights or to introduce the newcomer to the pleasures of English pottery…’ Michael Archer, Deputy Keeper Ceramics Department, Victoria and Albert Museum, writing in The Connoisseur in a review of the first edition. In this new edition there are nearly 700 monochrome and 62 full colour illustrations.
The Author
Griselda Lewis is the author of An Introduction to English Pottery, A Picture History of English Pottery, and in collaboration with John Lewis Pratt Ware: English and Scottish relief decorated and underglaze coloured earthenware 1780-1840.