Traditional food moulds from the collection of Middleport Pottery in Stoke-on-Trent will take centre stage this summer, as artist Nuala Clooney reimagines traditional pottery designs and techniques.
Working in partnership with members of the local community, Nuala has used original dessert moulds from Middleport’s archive to create new artworks, and to shine a light on the work of early 20th century ceramic designer, Charlotte Rhead. The project will culminate in a tea party at Middleport Pottery on Saturday 21 August. “I’ve been working with Middleport over the last year and during that time I’ve been able to explore the museum’s archive of moulds, which have been used to produce the famous Burleigh ceramics since the early 20th century. I’ve also been inspired by the designs of ceramic artist Charlotte Rhead, who was born locally and worked at the pottery between 1926 and 1931, and whose work is often overlooked,” explained Nuala Clooney. Middleport is the home of ‘Burleigh’ pottery and is the UK’s last working Victorian pottery in continuous production, producing ceramics for more than 130 years on site. Burleigh still uses traditional skills and techniques, and Middleport Pottery houses an archive of their historic designs and moulds. Using a 3D scan of an original dessert mould from Burleigh’s collection, Nuala has led workshops with members of the local community – including Root n Fruit Community Garden and Middleport Matters Community Trust - to create new designs for jelly moulds, inspired by Charlotte Rhead’s colourful fruit and flower motifs. The new work combines traditional methods of slip-casting with 3D scanning technology. On 21 August Middleport will host a tea party with food demonstrations and a display of the new jelly mould designs created by Nuala and members of the public. Admission to the event is free but tickets need to be booked in advance at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/contemporary-english-victorian-style-tea-party-at-middleport-pottery-tickets-161758623397.