Potter's Formula Log Books, 19th century.

Access and use

Location of collection:
John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Library
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
P.O. Box 1776
Williamsburg, VA 23187
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Douglas Mayo
Phone: (757) 565-8521
Phone: (757) 565-8520
Fax: (757) 565-8528

Collection context

Summary

Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

Seven pocket-sized journals dating from the 19th century which contain formulas written by individual potters for ceramic bodies, glazes, colors, and applied decorations. The authors of the log books are unknown, although evidence indicates that they originated in Staffordshire. These books provide documentation of the experiments undertaken by potters to develop high quality ceramics. Along with recipes and formulas, many of the pages include annotations concerning experimentation with different mixtures for clays, glazes, and tints.

Physical description:
7 items.

Indexed terms

Subjects:
Ceramics.