Soon I'll share some changes in decor at the cottage.
Meanwhile, digging through stored items - no room to display all the
'treasures' at one time - I decided to give these two beautiful English
pottery jugs a prominent place on the mantel so I can enjoy
their lovely blue hues.
'treasures' at one time - I decided to give these two beautiful English
pottery jugs a prominent place on the mantel so I can enjoy
their lovely blue hues.
They have been in hiding far too long. They were my dear mother's and
two special things I brought back across the pond from the house when she died.
two special things I brought back across the pond from the house when she died.
They are Collard earthenware from Honiton, Devon, a lovely small town
(also known for handmade lace) about a 45 minute drive from my childhood home.
Handmade and painted, all pieces - such as my two jugs in Collard's highly
regarded Jacobean motif - were created by just 30 artists employed from 1920
until the pottery was forced to close at the start of the Second World War in 1939.
The workers were either called up to join the armed forces, or involved in some
other wartime occupation. Owner Charles Collard and his daughter Joan
maintained the pottery property throughout the war years and reopened in
October 1945. Once back in production, Collard sold the pottery and retired
in 1947 at age 73. He continued to make pottery in his garden kiln until losing
his sight in later years, but stayed active until his death at age 95 in 1969. He was
actually born and died in my hometown of Torquay.
From a news report I discovered that Joan celebrated her 100th birthday in 2015,
but haven't been able to find out if she is still living.
(also known for handmade lace) about a 45 minute drive from my childhood home.
Handmade and painted, all pieces - such as my two jugs in Collard's highly
regarded Jacobean motif - were created by just 30 artists employed from 1920
until the pottery was forced to close at the start of the Second World War in 1939.
The workers were either called up to join the armed forces, or involved in some
other wartime occupation. Owner Charles Collard and his daughter Joan
maintained the pottery property throughout the war years and reopened in
October 1945. Once back in production, Collard sold the pottery and retired
in 1947 at age 73. He continued to make pottery in his garden kiln until losing
his sight in later years, but stayed active until his death at age 95 in 1969. He was
actually born and died in my hometown of Torquay.
From a news report I discovered that Joan celebrated her 100th birthday in 2015,
but haven't been able to find out if she is still living.
Because there are some lovely shades of blue in these jugs I am finding them
perfect to display with my new look for the living room. . . . . . . and of course
they do bring happy memories of my mother, including her often heard words such
as, "Mary, dust the jugs carefully, don't drop them".
Both pieces are back stamped, the small one being Shape 27, and the large
Shape 34.
I have always been interested in the Jacobean motif, especially in needlework.
Later I'll share my one and only crewel work embroidery piece. . . . . . done
in the long ago days of good eyesight and I suspect more patience!
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