Bestselling and bargain books: Collecting Pottery
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Books -> Collecting Pottery
Deruta: A Tradition of Italian Ceramics
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by:
Minchilli, Elizabeth Helman
Cushner, Susie
Hamilton, David
Minchilli, Elizabeth Helman
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Publisher:
Chronicle Books
Published: November 1, 1998
ISBN: 0811817946
Format:Hardcover
Pages:168
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Book Description
From Library Journal
These two stunning books differ in style and technique yet complement each other in beauty and execution. The first, published for the centenary of the New York State College of Ceramics in Alfred, is an exquisite and informative
exhibition catalog celebrating the life and work of Charles Fergus Binns, a master potter, teacher, and founding director of the college. Introductory essays focus on Binns's career at the Royal Worcester Porcelain Works in England, the origins of the
college, his successful combination of technical and artistic development, and his glazing techniques and Oriental influences. The book includes a catalogue raisonne of the exhibition. Color plates featuring 60 of the celebrated pieces serve as a visual
introduction to the exhibit, while the rest of the photographs document Binns, his works, and the college. A third section of brief essays highlights the lives of 11 of Binns's most notable students, all masters in their own right. Deruta celebrates the
achievements of the Umbrian hillside town celebrated since the 16th century for the colorfully glazed Italian ceramic pottery known as majolica. The book opens with a focus on the history of the town from the Middle Ages to the present, then moves on to
detail the traditional production techniques and methods of decoration in use for centuries. The final section highlights the work of six family production studios in Deruta today. The book is generously illustrated with photos of these bold and vibrant
works of art. Both titles are highly recommended for public and academic libraries alike.?Stephen Allan Patrick, East Tennessee State Univ. Lib., Johnson City
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Italophiles, majolica
fans, and even design aficionados could linger over the pages of this produced-with-passion book from Minchilli and her design and photographer cohorts. For many reasons, this book excels. First, it grounds readers in Italian ceramics history beyond
simple ceramics production, particularly in how the Umbrian hill town of Deruta began and continued its recorded life. Second, the author teaches about manufacturing with great visuals and few words and certainly no preaching. And from her expertise
arises the third element of her book's excellence, which is her focus on a sampling of today's artisans--including Franco Mari, Antonio Margaritelli, and Francesca Niccacci--and certain workshops that fashion exquisitely different yet related majolica.
Educational, inspiring, and worth more than mere coffee-table status. Barbara Jacobs
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