Porcelain

Description

An essential guide to working with porcelain, from its history and composition, to building, decorating and firing. For thousands of years, the special properties of porcelain - its delicacy, translucency and remarkable strength - have fascinated and inspired, and these qualities continue to appeal to ceramic artists. However, porcelain is also a notoriously demanding medium that presents unique challenges. In this inspiring practical guide, porcelain artist Vivienne Foley introduces you to the material she has been working with for more than forty years. The book takes a comprehensive look at all aspects of porcelain, and covers everything from its composition and workability, to decorating and glazing. Learn about methods of throwing and building - with a focus on techniques and faults specific to porcelain, explore drying and firing, and make use of a useful troubleshooting section on all the most likely problems and faults along with suggested remedies. Beginning with the fascinating history of making in porcelain, from the Imperial kilns of China to the Meissen factory of Germany and beyond, this book gives you an insight into the way porcelain has been used in the past and how it has been adapted and developed for contemporary work, by current artists who are constantly looking to push the boundaries of possibility. Illustrated throughout with helpful how-to images, as well as the beautiful works of current artists, Porcelain is the essential handbook for any ceramic student or artist seeking to understand and work with this extraordinary material.

Vivienne Foley has been making sculptural vessels in porcelain for more than 40 years to international acclaim. She set up the first independent porcelain studio in Ireland and continues to exhibit regularly, in solo shows, such as at the V&A, and in prestigious group shows like Collect at the Saatchi Gallery, and at the National Museum of Ireland. Her work is held in high-profile private collections, including several Heads of State such as those of Bill & Hillary Clinton, and has been auctioned at Bonhams and Christie's.

Reviewing this book was a delight . . . A pleasure to read, beginning with a brief but engaging history of this amazing material, right back to the first proto-porcelains of 1700-1027 BC . . . an articulate analysis of the chemical constituents of porcelain . . . a simple analysis of how the different components contribute to the workability of this material. ... The author's tips on taming the temperamental beauty generously proliferate throughout the book. Vivienne is so obviously 'in tune' with her material. ... Beautifully illustrated throughout . . . A 'must read' for all those who have an interest in working with porcelain, from student through to knowledge-seeking, established practitioner -- Liz Lawrence * Shards, South Wales Potters Newsletter *