Slipware Dish

This slipware charger shows two birds pecking at a vine. It is a lovely example of earthenware, decorated with a galena glaze (galena, or lead sulphide, is the most common ore of lead. It has a brittle, silvery, crystal structure that is easily powdered). The Contemporary Arts Society presented this dish to the Walker in 1942.

The clay is 'thrown', ie shaped on a potter's wheel, before being decorated. The 'slip' in the name is the liquid clay that is applied to the unfired clay like icing on a cake. The process is called slip trailing. Colours that contrast with the base are usually used.

The dish was made in 1826 by Bernard Leach (1887-1979). Leach was born and brought up in the Far East. He studied at the London School of Art, and later set up a studio in St Ives where he made this piece.

You can learn more about Bernard Leach at http://www.leachpottery.com [opens new window]

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