Wednesday
Dec162009
Wanted. Very Mean Bird.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009 at 4:22PM 
I am looking for an image of a slipware dish that is in a museum in Stoke on Trent. I am not sure which museum exactly. I saw the image a few years ago in a slide presentation given by Walter Ostrom. The image is of a guinea fowl. It is a very dynamic drawing (I believe it was sgraffito not trailed). This bird looked like it was going to rip your head off. Very fierce!
I've looked online. I looked at the Stoke Museum site too. They don't seem to have their whole collection online. Anyhow if someone out there has this image I'd like to see it again.
The image above is pretty close but that rooster isn't nearly as fierce as the one on the plate I remember.
Reader Comments (5)
here's Mr. Ostrom's email. he might be able to help.
wostrom[at]hotmail.com
I e mailed him already. He's the one who told me it was in Stoke. I think all his images are still on slides. Thanks any how.
It's not often you see birds depicted in a fierce stance that would be something to capture. People in Arkansas used guinea hens as watch dogs so I guess the birds could be mean. Good luck with your search.
check this image out:
http://nationalheritagemuseum.typepad.com/.a/6a00e550caa66d88340120a52698c2970b-pi
Nice image Linda. I've been reading about Pennsylvania potters (1800's). They used quite a bit of bird imagery. Often peacock, eagle, dove, hens. Even a parrot now and then.
I think I know the feeling of wanting to change things up a bit. I am working on some glazes and stuff. I agree with what you said. You cant beat the uncontrolled quirks. I would love to talk about it. cant wait to read the new posts!!