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| Name | Mary Dearden |
| Date of Birth | 29/04/54 |
| Address | 1 Christina Terrace, Merchants Road, Hotwells, Bristol, BS8 4QB |
| Contact Tel: | 0117 9272104 |
 Drawing of V&A's press-moulded agate ware cat, c.1725 |
 Three Reliquaries for Christopher Smart's Cat Jeoffrey |
| 'I particularly
liked the pair of salt-glazed agate-ware cats, whose antecedents lie in
the slipware tradition of image toys. I was interested to experiment with
the technique of combining different coloured clays in striped and marbled
patterns to suggest animal markings. Working on the idea of making pet reliquaries,
I have developed pieces which combine throwing with press-moulding. The
sprigged motifs of cars refer to contemporary perils in the human and feline
world. The titles are lines from a favourite poem, 'My Cat Jeoffrey' written
by Christopher Smart (1722-71). Jeoffrey inspired his master to rejoice
in his attributes when they were living in a private asylum for the insane
in Bethnal Green. |
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 Drawing of deathbed figure of Lydia Dwight, made by John Dwight, 1673 |
 Bowl for G.B.D. |
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Research into the history of salt-glaze drew my attention to a piece which belongs to the V&A, but was currently on display elsewhere on the day of the handling session . This is the deathbed figure of Lydia Dwight ('dyed March 3, 1673), a memorial to the potter John Dwight's young daughter. The poignancy of this piece were an inspiration to creating a memorial to my father, who died on the bowling green at Pateley Bridge on July 27, 1993.' |