BACK TO ARCHIVE   VIEW FROM MY WORKSHOP . . .   Page 2     First there is the lathe, a Carba-Tec, mounted on an old Singer cast iron sewing machine base, on which the original prototypes, or masters, are turned. The prototype is then used to make a mould from which the 'pot' is slip-cast. Next, the pots are fired in one of the four kilns, These are known as 'test kilns' as they are designed for firing full-sized test pieces such as a few cups or plates, but they are ideal for firing a hundred miniatures. Using four small kilns in the workshop defrays the risk of a calamity in one larger kiln. Also in evidence here is the silk-screen printing press for printing the patterns that go into the plates, etc. The patterns are researched and designed from an extensive collection of books on china. The artwork is drawn, the end result being a series of patterns that are original to Stokesay Ware with each pattern piece designed to fit each different item. Inevitably there are problems that must be ironed-out. The Georgian Key dinner service There are as many as twenty different items in a full dinner service, so the time involved in producing an entirely new set can be imagined. Karen and Peter are currently developing a 'nursery' set. A Victorian household had separate china for the nursery, and 'posh' households would have complete services - usually with slightly educational motifs. As a final touch each piece is marked as either 'Stokesay Ware' or simply 'SW'. Perhaps the most unusual item in the extensive range is a bidet, probably the only one available on the market. Karen and Peter set up this workshop seven years ago but the clay and glazes are still stored in their home. Earlier their workshop had also been in their home with all the usual problems this presents, namely the temptation of always 'finishing something off' in the evenings. Karen found that she could not even watch a bit of television without simultaneously working a teapot in her fingers! Certainly no one I know seems to be able to get away from their workshop at home. Having the workplace ten minutes walk away seems to be ideal and it gives Peter and Karen that space between work and home. They even sometimes drop into the local pub for a drink on their walk back. By the way, they met in a pub!   Blue willow bread and butter plate     1 :: 2 :: 3         HOME :: FINE CHINA :: GALLERY PRICE LIST :: ORDER :: EVENTS :: PROJECTS LINKS :: ARCHIVE         STOKESAY WARE 37 Sandbrook Road, Stoke Newington London N16 0SH, UK Telephone 020 7254 5242 International +44 20 7254 5242 email peter@stokesayware.com         Content, design & graphics copyright © Karen Griffiths 2004