Product Details

Cobalt on tin glazed white earthenware

Size approx: 21cm diameter x 4cm deep ( 8.3 x 1.6 inches)

Decorative plate, hand wash only.

THE STORY

British  artist and ceramicist Carlo Briscoe has created a collection of Trade Plates exclusively for The Shop Floor Project.

Inspired by 17th century English Delftware ‘barber bowls’, which were originally made for barbers to display in their shop windows, Carlo wanted to explore these unusual and decorative plates. Depicting the tools of their trade, these ‘bowls’ were often finished with a highly decorative floral border, designed to catch the eye of passing trade. It was this combination of illustrative images with floral patterns that Carlo was drawn to for this collection as she often explores this relationship within her own work. 

We commissioned Carlo to explore the idea of the Barbers Bowl further, with research into the livery companies of London. This type of guild or professional association originated in mediaeval England and comprise the city’s ancient and modern trade associations and guilds, almost all of which are prefixed with the title "Worshipful Company of" followed by their respective craft, trade or profession.

In this collection Carlo has created Trade Plates for professions such as blacksmiths, tailors, glovers, physicians, beekeepers and, of course, the barber.

After a degree in Fine Art Carlo began to explore pottery and focused her practice within the 15th century majolica technique of painting with oxides onto tin glaze.  “I love the immediacy of the process, the clarity of colour and line you can achieve’

Carlo’s home and studio are located in a former butter works in a rural village in West Wales. Over the years Carlo, with her husband the artist Ed Dunn, have renovated it and filled it with tiles, ceramics, quilts and plants.