On other medieval potters... or, well, turners.

Last week I got to do some medieval pottery. Annoyingly, I once again forgot to take pictures - as usual when I'm doing a medieval craft in a medieval context, I feel silly about pulling out my phone when I'm dressed historically and am acting in a museum context. So I run into this annoying problem that I end up not documenting the most interesting crafts I do. I will try to improve this. However, in the mean time, when I'm dressed in modern clothes I have no issue taking pictures of other craft peoples such as this amazing thrower, Jim.

I met Jim at the Herstmonceux medieval festival, where he was with his 15th century gear. Not only could he turn a plate in 2mins and a flask in 10mins, but he can explain and answer questions while doing so. Things I learned that I didn't previously know:

• 15th century pottery was glazed not to seal it but rather to reduce the firing temperature (no seperate firing for bisk and glaze!)
• There were three common wheel types: a standing wheel for throwers (used for more delicate items), a low standing wheel for large clay storage vessels (can't remember the name of the craft people) and a kick-wheel for turners (used for large bowels - this is the form I have worked on before)
• by the 15th century the potter didn't actually make pots but sold them - like the tinker sold tin things
• The glaze was ground up metal oxide

Now based on this I am collecting iron slag from the blacksmiths so our potters (well, turners) can try their hand at glazing. I'm really curious as to how this will work out!