Mary Seton Watts and the Compton Pottery

Description

This comprehensive book is both a biographical exploration of the early life of Mary Seton Watts and a survey of the pottery she designed. Her roots in Scotland, her artistic career and her marriage to the Victorian artist George Frederic Watts all influenced the design of the Grade 1 listed Cemetery Chapel at Compton and the art potteries which she then set up, both in Compton (The Potters' Arts Guild) and in her home village near Inverness. The pottery at Compton was in business for more than fifty years, making terracotta garden ware, memorials and small decorative pieces. It remained open through two World Wars and a trade depression. This highly illustrated publication showcases the beautiful and individual pieces of pottery and is a fitting tribute to the ability of Mary Watts to coordinate both people and resources.

Hilary Calvert's interest in The Potters' Arts Guild started with a chance visit to the Watts Gallery in 1988, when the then Curator showed her pottery as well as pictures. Having previously written a book on 'Chameleon Ware Art Pottery', this was another opportunity for research which soon led to a collection of Compton pottery and ultimately to the publication of this book. Louise Boreham has been researching the Compton and Aldourie Potteries since 1980. She has contributed to books and published articles on architectural sculpture and ceramics, lectured to specialist interest groups and taken part in radio and television broadcasts on the subject.

Hilary Calvert's and Louise Boreham's monograph is not only an impeccably researched study of Mary Watt's distinctive enterprise as a ceramicist but also an important contribution to the growing corpus of scholarly literature on women in the Arts & Crafts Movement. It is profusely illustrated, with an invaluable picture-gallery of pieces manufactured by the Compton Pottery... With notable success, Calvert and Boreham have documented a remarkable and idealistic Arts & Crafts enterprise, and have sensitively portrayed its energetic and visionary founder. * The Victorian Magazine * Hilary Calvert and Louise Boreham give a real insight into the running of the two art potteries Watts set up ... There is much detailed information on those who worked on the project and one of the great strengths of this volume is the focus on people and processes which are often overlooked. This is complemented throughout by well-chosen photographs. -- Claire Blakey * The Decorative Arts Society * For collectors, the final section of the book would probably alone justify its purchase: a 24-page 'Picture Supplement' which is virtually a Compton Pottery illustrated catalogue. The range of items is astonishing, and the colours are both restrained and rich ... This is a lovely book, well produced, and it is whole-heartedly recommended. * Northern Ceramic Society *