Alan Caiger-Smith and apprentices, Aldermaston Pottery

Julian Bellmont wrote:The Pottery stopped using the Made In England stamp in 1980

Admin wrote:
Aldermaston marks

I thought I ought to introduce another of my old local potteries - Two pieces the goblet and the little flower holder are Alan Caiger Smith signed while the candle holder an ACS design, I had made especially just before I left UK as a treat I had painted by resident potter Andrew Hazelden at Aldermaston Pottery.

Aldermaston pottery was founded by Alan Caiger Smith in the mid 1950's.This is one of Alan Caiger Smith's pots.It lasted until 1993,producing Earthenware Tin Glazed Plottery. They also did some superb lustre pieces,which at their nest are magnificent.They operated with up top 8 potters,and founded the careers on many potters working today. Each piece is invividually signed,with a variation on the A. It is quite difficult to find information on all the potters.
Alan Caiger Smith is quite a famous potter.Having written several books on lustre and Tin glazed pottery as well as an Autobiography POTTERY PLACES AND TIME. A pottery well worth collecting as at the moment a goods deal of it is relatively cheap apart from Alan Caiger Smith.Although Lawrence Mcgowan's work is getting more expensive.

A little Edgar Campden vase.

22 Crawford St. wrote:Hi everyone. Over the last few years ten pieces of this pottery seem to have appeared on my shelves (I must stop bidding on things that look nice on ebay). I think Aldermaston is soooo cool as pieces are signed and many dated.

I have a link for ACS on Wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alan_Caiger-Smith), and it lists several books by ACS, however is there a book about the pottery? .... and an index of dates and potters marks? I would like to learn more? Is there a collectors website? Was it only sold from the Pottery?


BR

Alex

I have not seen a book about the Aldermaston Pottery with dates and potters marks but do have a piece of paper with a number of marks that was given to me several years ago (I can't remember by who) - the mark on your dish sadly isn't included.

There is reference to a publication "Alan Caiger-Smith and Aldermaston Pottery, 1955-1993" on the internet, which appears to be a catalogue of a retrospective exhibition. I have not seen it so don't know what it contains but it does appears to only be available at a rather inflated price and my gut feeling is that it may be a disappointment. If you are tempted to buy, I would suggest you try and look at it first.

a very large lidded piece by Alan Caiger- Smith ( paisley museum ) sorry about a pic i was in a rush

even bigger piece , amazing stuff.

One of the display units mainly ACS but also G lyons ( moffat potterey on the left )

This Lovely big piece has had quite a bit of damaged and restoration done on it , but displays very well , a very big teapot at 10" High and 14" from spout to handle

Four dots indicate a 1964 date , I believe .

philpot wrote:


Aldermaston pottery was founded by Alan Caiger Smith in the mid 1950's.This is one of Alan Caiger Smith's pots.It lasted until 1993,producing Earthenware Tin Glazed Plottery. They also did some superb lustre pieces,which at their nest are magnificent.They operated with up top 8 potters,and founded the careers on many potters working today. Each piece is invividually signed,with a variation on the A. It is quite difficult to find information on all the potters.
Alan Caiger Smith is quite a famous potter.Having written several books on lustre and Tin glazed pottery as well as an Autobiography POTTERY PLACES AND TIME. A pottery well worth collecting as at the moment a goods deal of it is relatively cheap apart from Alan Caiger Smith.Although Lawrence Mcgowan's work is getting more expensive.

Alan has asked that I draw attention to the incorrect title of his book quoted in the above post. It should be 'Pottery, People and Time'

studio-pots wrote:It will be very useful for everyone if he agrees jevpots and thank you for making the effort to get permission.

Alan has now given permission for copies of the marks for Aldermaston appearing in the publication 'Alan Caiger-Smith and Aldermaston Pottery 1955 - 1993' to be uploaded to the site. Please would somebody let me know how to do it!

dantheman wrote:https://www.20thcenturyforum.com/t3970-how-to-upload-images-to-your-posts
great news John

Information on Aldermaston and ACS Pottery Marks below. Added by kind permission of Alan Caiger-Smith

We ought to make it clear Naomi that this wasn't the mark that he used when he was in partnership with Alan Caiger Smith at Aldermaston but the mark that he used later.

Not sure if this should have been posted on the Aldermaston Pottery thread, but I hope someone can help.

This 25 cms tall albarello-shaped vase is undoubtedly from (or very closely associated with) Aldermaston Pottery. But I can't find a matching monogram on the very helpful chart of potters' marks posted at https://www.20thcenturyforum.com/t3346p15-aldermaston-pottery.

It would be nice to think that it's by Alan Caiger-Smith. Did he ever forget to do the circular squiggle at the end of his monogram?






Problem solved: I contacted Andrew Hazelden who was very helpful and has identified the vase as being by Sam Davis, made at Aldermaston between 1987 and 1991.

This is a link to the Alan Caiger Smith's studio Auction sale at Mallam's when Aldermaston pottery finally closed completely. Its very interesting for the comments Alan Caiger Smith makes on the individual pieces, and prices of course,which were high!

http://www.catalogue-host.co.uk/mallams/oxford/2007-10-12/page_1

If anyone is in Reading, Berkshire (near Aldermaston), then the Town Hall/Museum has a permanent display of Aldermaston. Some of the pieces are very large indeed.

"Forty of the pieces here are from the collection of David Castillejo, Alan's principal patron. Other works include some that Alan kept"

Museum entry is FREE and you can just walk in when they are open (see link below). You'll want the first floor 'Atrium Gallery'. There is a glass lift up to the where the goods are and the Museum's Postcode is RG1 1QH. Well worth a visit.

Opening Times Link
Atrium Gallery ACS

Aldermaston cheese cover (and wooden dish) by Mo Hamid

and his mark

Hi

Anyone care to confirm which Aldermaston artisit this is by please?

https://i.servimg.com/u/f78/17/72/28/78/alder10.jpg



Edited to add: looks like Sheen Sinclair's mark