Caring for your ceramics
Ceramics include all objects made from clay which are shaped when wet and hardened by heating (firing). Fired clay …
Read article
Caring for your ceramics - cleaning ceramics
Before you start any cleaning, you need to identify your type of ceramic and other materials (such as metal mounts,…
Read article
Caring for your ceramics - breakages and repairs
Caring for your ceramics - restorations and repairs, accidental breakage, repairing your ceramics.
Read article
Caring for your ceramics - displaying and mounting
Try to avoid displaying ceramics in areas where there is passing traffic or where you may need access behind them, …
Read article
Caring for your ceramics - handling ceramics
One of the most common causes of damage to historic ceramics is rough or careless handling. Almost all such damage…
Read article
Caring for your ceramics - storing ceramics
Avoid storing your ceramics in damp or hot areas, such as basements or lofts. Damp can initiate salt problems and e…
Read article
A-Z of Ceramics - O is for Oxidation
In addition to changing clay into a hard ceramic material, the first firing of a pot transforms its appearance, dramatically altering colours and textures. The challenge to the potter is to control the firing conditions to achieve the desired results. The two most fundamental aspects of firing are the temperature and the amount of oxygen in the kiln atmosphere.
A-Z of Ceramics - U is for Underglaze
Underglaze is the opposite of overglaze. It refers to ceramic decoration that lies under the glaze, which forms a protective layer. The technique only became possible in Europe when biscuit firing was introduced for fine earthenwares and porcelain. Only a few pigments could withstand the heat of the glaze firing.
A-Z of Ceramics - W is for Waster
Wasters are the discarded remains of ceramic objects that became damaged or deformed during firing. They provide us with first hand information about production processes. Quite often, the small supports called 'spurs' on which a pot was fired are fused to the glazed surface and sometimes we find a whole stack of dishes, collapsed and fused together.
A-Z of Ceramics - S is for Slipware
Since around 1900 the term 'slipware' has been applied specifically to slip-decorated ware. These are pots that have been coated in slip, have applied slip decoration, or a combination of both. The clay used for the slip is usually in a contrasting colour or colours to that of the ceramic body.
A-Z of Ceramics - J is for Jiggers and Jolleys
CERAMICS A-Z Ceramics - J is for Jiggers and Jolleys Illustration of a jigger, Alfred B. Searle, 1929-30. Illustration of a jigger, Alfred B. Searle, 1929-30. (click image for larger version) Machines called jiggers and jolleys are used to make tableware in ceramics factories. The derivation of these strange names is unclear, though the word 'jigger' is actually used to describe all kinds of quite different mechanical devices used in many different occupations, including billiards, golf and printing.
Become a V&A Member
V&A Members enjoy a wealth of benefits, including free entry to exhibitions, previews, exciting events and the V&A Members’ Room. In addition, you will be supporting the vital work of the V&A.
Buy or Renew Membership OnlineShop online
Signs and Wonders: Edmund de Waal and the V&A Ceramics Galleries
Accompanies an ambitious new installation in the V&A Ceramic Galleries based on the V&A's world renowned ceramics colletion
Buy nowEvent - Open Studio - Louisa Taylor: Ceramics Resident
Sat 04 February 2012–Wed 20 June 2012
OPEN STUDIO: Visit the V&A Residency Studios to meet ceramics resident, Louisa Taylor. Find out about her research, creative practice and work in progress.
More details
