Twenty Years of “Dish Camp”
A Celebration of the Past, Present and Future of Ceramic Scholarship
June 24th 26th at Historic Eastfield
In 1996, nine ceramic historians gathered at the first “Dish Camp” to discuss the manufacturers and processes involved in producing British and American ceramics. Bringing together ceramic historians, archaeologists and potters, they created one of the first forums in which theory, research, and practical experience were studied across interdisciplinary lines. To mark the 20th Anniversary of Dish Camp, we will explore the past, present and future of ceramic scholarship and recount the remarkable contributions that Don Carpentier, Jonathan Rickard, and others have made to the field. The program concludes with a tour of the Albany Institute of History & Art and their extensive collection of 18th- and 19th-century ceramics.
Speakers
David Barker, Archaeologist and Ceramic Historian, will examine the invaluable role that archaeology plays in broadening our understanding of ceramics. Drawing upon recent excavations and research in the UK, he will highlight some of the nuances of the early 19th-h century ceramics trade, specifically with North America.
Lindsay Bloch, Visiting Scholar at UNC-Chapel Hill, will explore new techniques for identifying historic coarse earthenwares using elemental analysis as a means of concretely identifying the vast numbers of undecorated utilitarian vessels produced and used across the British Atlantic world in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Jeffrey S. Evans, President of Jeffrey S. Evans and Associates, Inc., will examine twenty years of Virginia stoneware and red earthenware research from the Shenandoah Valley, Richmond, the James River region, and Alexandria. We’ll take a special look at exciting new objects and reevaluate some previously published old friends.
Ron Fuchs II, Curator of the Reeves Collection at Washington and Lee University, will explore Chinese export porcelain used in America from 1607 to 1900. He will use archaeological fragments, surviving pieces, and documentary evidence to show the wide range of export porcelain available to American consumers, from fine, expensive, custom-ordered armorial services to inexpensive, mass-market blue Canton.
Brenda Hornsby-Heindl of Liberty Stoneware will discuss Don Carpentier’s pursuit in learning how his ancestors, the Bissett family of New Jersey, made and decorated their stonewares. A demonstration of how these wares were made and fired will follow, with attendees encouraged to try their hand at making pottery.
Meta Janowitz, Archaeologist and Ceramic Historian, will discuss what we’ve learned about the production of salt-glazed stoneware in the Middle Colonies over the past 20 years, with evidence from archaeological excavations and documentary research.
Greg Shooner, Potter and proprietor of Shooner American Redware, will explore redware pottery from Warren County, Ohio through its makers and the few pieces that still survive today. Greg will also demonstrate how these wares were made and decorated.
Diana Stradling, Ceramic Historian, will reflect on her decades long interest in and extensive study of American made pottery and porcelain.
Gary Stradling, Ceramic Historian, will debate the controversial topic of Parian ware manufacture in Bennington, Vermont in the mid-19th century.
Brandt Zipp, of Crocker Farm, Inc., will present a comprehensive look at Don Carpentier’s study of stone-ware production at the pottery operated by his ancestors, the Bissett family in Old Bridge, NJ. This presentation confronts traditional approaches to the study of early American stoneware manufacture in Old Bridge, and revaluates the potters and wares so often associated with it.
The program fee is $465.00 and includes a hearthside dinner prepared by Niel de Marino. Participants are encouraged to bring ceramics from their personal or professional collections for display and discussion. Supported by the Historic Eastfield Foundation and the Echo Evetts Fund. For more information or to register visit: http://www.historiceastfield.org
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