Prestigious Book Launch: Horace Elliott by Jonathan Gray

Description

Join us for the launch of one of the most prestigious ceramics books of 2024: Horace Elliott by Jonathan Gray, taking place on Saturday, 17th August at The Museum, Denby Pottery Village.

Here’s what to expect on the day:

11.00am: Presentation by the Author, Jonathan Gray, who will be introduced by Denby Design Director, Richard Eaton.

Meet in the Denby Museum, where you will be guided to the Denby Showroom to hear an exclusive presentation on Horace’s designs at Denby, followed by a book signing at 1.30pm.

Pre-booked entry to the book launch presentation is FREE and there will be an opportunity to purchase the book at a special launch price of £40.00 per copy.

About the Book: Horace Elliott, Artist in Pottery, 1851-1938:

Horace Elliott was a significant contributor to the Arts & Crafts movement, but his name has all but disappeared from history, ceramics author, Jonathan Gray, redresses the balance with this book, which is the only extensive collective record of Horace’s work.

Horace never had his own pottery and hence there was no hub to turn to for retrospectives of his work. Horace designed and produced his wares at many different potteries in the UK, including Denby Pottery, but also German potteries. Horace’s designs, which were generally backstamped with his own fleur-de-lys backstamp wherever he worked, elevated him to the “premier league”, exhibiting his wares alongside Doulton, Wedgwood, Minton, Ruskin, Elton and many others. He turned to Denby on many occasions to make his moulds and try out his designs and Horace’s unique wares sold through his own shop in London, but Denby also retailed some of those Horace produced at the Derbyshire pottery.

This stunning book lavished with rich images of Horace’s designs charts his progress from his early career as British and European commercial traveller for the Canadian Wanzer sewing machine factory to one of the most outstanding Arts & Crafts designers of the day who went on to continue to work into his 80s in the 1930’s. Launch Price: £40.00 per copy.

About the Author: Jonathan Gray

Jonathan Gray studied economics at Swansea University, graduating in 1989. His passion for Horace Elliott’s ceramics started during this time. Although Jonathan ventured into the world of finance for a living, ceramics remains his passion.

This book was part of the plan approved when Jonathan became a research fellow at Amegueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales (2014-2023) and consequently lead him to Denby following Horace Elliott’s career. This publication has grown somewhat as the research has developed and new lines of inquiry have been identified.

Jonathan is, at the time of publication, President of the English Ceramic Circle and an active member of other ceramic groups in the UK and overseas. Jonathan writes and lectures on various aspects of the Welsh ceramics industry from 1764.

LOCATION: Denby Pottery Village, Denby, Derbyshire, DE5 8NX at The Denby Museum and Showroom.

ARRIVAL: Upon arrival, please park in our free customer car park and follow the directional signage to the Denby Museum, where you will be greeted by a member of the Denby team.

ACCESSIBILITY: Denby Pottery Village and The Denby Museum and Showroom are fully accessible to everyone. However, please let us know in advance if any of your party members have any specific accessibility requirements.

CANCELLATION POLICY: Denby Pottery Village and Jonathan Gray will make every effort to ensure that the book launch goes ahead on the confirmed date and time. However, should unforeseen conditions prevail, an alternative date or time will be offered where possible. Unfortunately, this event is non – transferable.

CONTACTS: If you have any questions or accessibility queries that you would like to discuss, please email our Welcome Desk on tours.reception@denby.co.uk and our team will be able to help.

Our great selection of shops are open every day (except for Christmas Day/Boxing Day 2023 and Easter Sunday) between 9am – 5pm (Monday – Saturday) and 10am – 4pm on Sundays for you enjoy during your visit.

There is also a choice of two eateries (Bourne's Coffee Shop & Bistro and The Farm Shop Café) serving a wide variety of homecooked dishes, breakfasts, homemade cakes, drinks and more.