Last Friday evening, the speaker at the Arts Club was Kathy Talbot, who gave an illustrated talk on the context of the Llanelly Pottery in its last 50 years before its closure in 1922.
The production of pottery in Britain came to prominence in the 19th and 20th centuries, largely in Scotland, Staffordshire and Devon. Pots from these areas were supplied to countries all over the world. The 'five towns' around Stoke-on-Trent became prolific in their output.
The Llanelly Pottery opened in 1840 by William de Morgan. Its wares were aimed at the domestic market and were hand-painted. At that time, Wemyss Ware from Scotland was at its peak and as painters travelled from pottery to pottery, the famous rose pattern favoured by Wemyss found its way to the Llanelly Pottery. Painters from France also travelled to this country and brought the popular cockerel pattern to Llanelly.
At the same time high art Doulton pottery was at its height, along with several of the Staffordshire producers.
The arrival of David Guest and Richard Dewsbury at Llanelly in 1877 was of great importance. They were largely responsible for the successful production of cawl bowls, which were also exported to Africa where they were used as rice bowls.
Kathy Talbot spoke about the social history of pottery towns, including the purpose-built cottages for the workers and their long working hours.
In 1870, blue and white ware, such as the famous Willow pattern, was in high demand and at this time transfer-printing was introduced to meet these demands. Blue and white ware was a significant output at Llanelly.
The demise of the pottery trade began after the 1914-18 war when financial recession and strikes affected the trade. Llanelly Pottery closed in 1922 and its site has now been built over.
Kathy Talbot's talk, with its attractive illustrations, was most interesting and she was warmly applauded by an appreciative audience.
This (Friday) evening, Margaret Acors will be giving us a 'Glimpse of Arabia' where she has recently visited on one of her Asian journeys. All are welcome at 8 pm in Church House, Upper Frog Street.