The Northern Ceramic Society will examine what documents, archaeology, scientific analysis, and connoisseurship can contribute to our understanding of ceramics and ceramic history and will discuss the interpretation of such evidence in a variety of contexts. Thorny topics of fakes, forgeries, and redecoration also will be addressed.

Members will have the opportunity to examine and handle sherds from a number of excavations, including three 18th century porcelain factories. Participants will visit Rode Hall, the home of the Wilbrahams since 1669, with its splendid collection of ceramics and wonderful gardens.

One evening will be set aside for members to present their own research. Members are invited to bring two pieces for display and discussion at the pot session.

Lectures include
"Absence of Evidence Is Not Evidence of Absence: Unearthing Staffordshire Pottery"
David Barker

"Good Cross Chapel: Looking for the Evidence"
John Bussey

"Ceramic Analysis: How To Be a Healthy and Challenging Skeptic!"
Simon Chenery

"Useful Knowledge?"
Robin Emmerson

"Retail Archaeology: Purchasing the Evidence"
Peter Francis

"How To Write a Bible: Collecting and Assessing the Evidence"
Geoffrey Godden

"An American Pottery in Wales? Looking at the Evidence"
Jonathan Gray

"What Is Industrial Scottish Pottery?"
George Haggarty

"The Green Green Glass of Chrome"
Pat Halfpenny

"The Distribution and Consumption of British Ceramics in North America: Unique Insights from Archaeology"
Terry Majewski

"Staffordshire's Trade with the USA, 1806-1833: The Hard Facts"
Roger Pomfret

"Redecoration: When and Where"
John Sandon

"Chetham & Woolley, Forgotten Master Potters: The Evidence"
Colin Wyman

( accommodations & costs )

Contact
Lyn Hillis
Summer School Organiser
9 Newton Lane
Chester CH2 3RB
UK