Harry Davis,potter,engineer

[TJR 361]

Does anyone know of a film or video regarding the life of Harry Davis? He had a pottery with a water-wheel. He made beautiful functional pots. Worked in New Zealand,England and South America.

Thanks,

TJR.

I apologize. I am a two finger typest. That one got away on me.

Harry Davis. A contemorary of Michael Cardew.

Tom.

[rayaldridge 279]

I don't know about film, but his book is terrific, especially if you're young, strong, and have more energy than money.

 

http://www.amazon.com/The-Potters-Alternative-Harry-Davis/dp/0801980062/ref=pd_cp_14_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=019GX3MQVCNXX5M1189B

[Guest JBaymore]

Ray,

 

Spot on.

 

"The Potter's Alternative" is one of those "if you were shipwrecked on a desert island, what 10 books would you bring" books.

 

best,

 

...................john

[Marcia Selsor 1,782]

True. He was a great resource and his book still is.

Marcia

[Mark C. 3,698]

Ok this thread cost me a book to buy-its on the way now-now I need a island to get shipwrecked on.

I'm working on that now as well.

[Benzine 1,052]

Ray,

 

Spot on.

 

"The Potter's Alternative" is one of those "if you were shipwrecked on a desert island, what 10 books would you bring" books.

 

best,

 

...................john

 

 

John, is that because you'd have instructions for building your own studio/ studio equipment on said island?

 

Rescue Crew:  "You're safe.  We're here to take you home."

 

Stranded Potter:  "Well...I'm kind in the middle of a firing right now...  Can you come back in a couple days?..."

[Guest JBaymore]

 

John, is that because you'd have instructions for building your own studio/ studio equipment on said island?

 

 

 

 

Yes...... even if you have few tools.

 

And add to that shipwreck list...... "Pioneer Pottery" by Michael Cardew (Not the similar titled "Pioneer Potter"), and the "Potters Dictionary of Materials and Techniques", Hammar and Hammar.

 

And great follow up scenario you described there.  SO true!

 

best,

 

.................john

[rayaldridge 279]

I'll echo John here.  I have both Cardew and the Hamers' book.  Both great books as books, as well as useful and inspirational. 

 

When I started out, I thought I wanted to be Bernard Leach.  I soon realized that Cardew was a lot more impressive as a potter and as a person.

 

(Though I still have my little red book and regard it as somewhat sacred.)

[terrim8 177]

Just read this review  http://www.axner.com/potters-alternative.aspx of the book The Potters Alternative.  The idea of building my own pugmill is intriguing.

[Babs 890]

Ok this thread cost me a book to buy-its on the way now-now I need a island to get shipwrecked on.

I'm working on that now as well.

Well Mark Throw an island, I've read about potters being involved in laying down artificial reefs, maybe you just have to MAKE your island , buy the book, then get shipwrecked, send a mayday to John, he'll be able to help you with the woodfiring

and then write a book about the experience, retirement looms so don't waste any more time.

[Pres 1,906]

All three of these books, "Pioneer Pottery" by Michael Cardew, "The Potter's Alternative",  "Potters Dictionary of Materials and Techniques", have been on my shelves for many many years. They have only come down when I have been interested in perusing a particular topic, and they are usually by first go to. I will admit that the Potters Dictionary of Materials and Techniques is the one I go to most often, as I often have interest in looking up materials, cracks, decorating techniques, and oddities in that book. It is a treasure. 

 

 

best,

Pres

[Pres 1,906]

I looked him up on Wikipedia. . . yeah, I know. However, some of you may find his life story very interesting, and somewhat relevant in these stressful days.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Davis_(potter)

 

 

best, 

Pres

[glazenerd 1,473]

Been skimming through Hamer and Hamer since I left KC.  I prefer the books with technical information. Slowly but surely building my own database that can be crossed referenced. Hopefully will have a 20-30 page reference guide printed for the studio for instant info and data.

Nerd

[Pres 1,906]

Another one you might like glazenerd if you don't have it is The Complete Book of Clay and Glazes by James Chappell. Excellent book on glazes, substitutions and clays.