We are delighted to present this triple bill of fascinating films showing aspects of the working practices of Winchcombe Pottery founder Michael Cardew and the later pottery team.

 

One Good Turn

British Pathé 1930

 

A classic Pathé short showing tantalising glimpses of the production process at Winchcombe Pottery in 1930. A tremendously rare insight into working life at the fledgling pottery. Duration: 4 mins 

 

 

Mud and Water Man

Alister Hallum 1973

 

In 1942 the need to support a family drove Michael Cardew to take a job with the Colonial Office in the British colony of the Gold Coast, now Ghana. The Winchcombe Pottery founder returned to Cornwall in 1948 but was lured back to Africa for work in 1951 when he set up a pottery training centre in Abuja, Nigeria, remaining there until his retirement in 1965. During that second spell, Cardew saw independence come to both Nigeria and his former home of Ghana.

 

This film, narrated by the man himself, focusses on a return visit to Nigeria in '73 and looks back over Cardew's early career and the ventures in Ghana and Nigeria with interesting insights into the problematic realities of colonialism. Duration: 45 mins

 

 

From the Clay

Bill Barton 1982

 

A unique look at every aspect of production at the thriving pottery of '82 with a charming soundtrack composed and performed by the pottery's own Mike Finch. This lovely film has been playing as part of the centenary exhibition Sharing the Craft at Winchcombe Museum, having been kindly donated in memory of Bill by his family. 

  

As a documentary the film is fascinating in its own right, but even more so for locals who will know or remember members of the cast!

         

The pottery team featured are: Ray and Mike Finch, Eddie Hopkins, Toff Milway, Bob Wilkins, Duncan Shaw, Jane Brooks, Sid Tustin. The shop lady is Muriel Finch (Ray’s wife) and the customers are Sylvia and Ruth Barton. Duration: 30 mins

 

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