Research & Learning

The Patriot behind the pot: A historical and archaeological study of ceramics, glassware and politics in the Dutch household of the Revolutionary Era: 1780-1815

The Patriot behind the pot tells the story of pottery, people and politics in the Netherlands during a time of great revolutions; revolutions both in a political and industrial sense. This study shows how at the end of the 18th century numerous Dutch people used all kinds of ceramic and glass items in their household as media to convey their political stance in favor of or against the ruling House of Orange. Many of these more than 200 years old politically charged items have been preserved in museum collections. Sporadically, pieces of them are retrieved from archaeological sites as well.

Along with dozens of historical sources and hundreds of other ceramic and glass artifacts that were discarded or lost by their former owners in the same archaeological contexts, these fascinating objects with a certain political meaning have been examined in order to understand the material culture of Dutch Orangists and Patriots in the period around 1800. Apart from a thorough study of late 18th- and early 19th-century ceramics and glassware in the Netherlands, this book presents an extensive catalog of politically charged items from the period 1780-1815. This might help archaeologists, art-historians and collectors to recognize and further study these objects of great historical value.

This book comprises a Master thesis written by Wytze Stellingwerf. In 2017 he graduated at the Faculty of Archaeology at Leiden University. This thesis was nominated for three prizes, respectively the national archaeological W.A. van Es prize, the Leiden University thesis prize and the IISG prize of the International Institute of Social History in Amsterdam. 

The Spode Society Exhibition Catalogue

Following the success of the Spode Society Exhibition held at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham in November 2021, the Catalogue is available to purchase for the sum of £20 plus postage. In full colour, the 196 pages cover the history of the factory and comprehensive information on over 200 ceramic exhibits from all periods of the Spode and Copeland production. This is an ideal addition for the ceramic collectors’ bookshelf, for museum ceramic departments, auctioneers etc. Enquire and order at contact@spode-society.co.uk.

19th Century Patterson Potters and Pottery

Released in 2021, this book presents history and wares manufactured by Patterson and associated potteries in the North East of England between 1821 and 1900.  The book Includes details of pottery and marks never seen in any previous publication, and includes over 120 pictures of pottery.  An essential buy for any North East Pottery collector.  Written by the great great grandson of Thomas Patterson, who manufactured pottery at Tyne Pottery Newcastle and Sheriff Hill Pottery Gateshead. Members, read a summary of the book in the December 2021 Bulletin p. 13 (available January 2022).

The book costs £12.99 and the author is happy to post it subject to any postage rates applying. Current postage costs (2021) have been UK (£4.00 signed for), Europe (£5.50 tracked), Norway (£5.30 confirmed International delivery) and USA (£12.50 confirmed international delivery).  To confirm postage and to order, contact Tony Patterson.