The Complete Potter's Companion

by Tony Birks

This all new, revised, and updated edition of Tony Birks's classic Potter's Companion includes:
The latest hand-building and glazing techniques, new tested glaze recipes, kiln designs, and firing programs More than 440 color photographs illustrating every step of making, decorating, and firing a clay pot Instructions for throwing and hand-building a wide variety of shapes and vessels Superb examples of contemporary work by artists such as Paul Soldner, Ruth Duckworth, and Betty Woodman

Genres: Art, Reference, Nonfiction, Crafts

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Greta · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's easy to tell that the author is a teacher as well as a potter - the directions are clear, plus he addresses the common frustrations faced by the beginning potter (in this case, that would be me!). This book covers both wheel-thrown and hand-built pottery as well as glazing, and includes many illustrative photographs of attractive, finished works.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably 4.5 stars, maybe even 5, on a super generous day. This is an extremely valuable guide that has helped fill in a number of gaps in my knowledge. Many of the sections of this book are designed for a far more serious potter than I ever expect to become/is beyond the knowledge I need to have as a middle/high school art teacher. However, it was great background to have. I found the images quite helpful, and his steps seemingly straightforward to follow. I assigned several of the early chapters to my high school students for our ceramics class and they didn't hate them, which speaks volumes. :-p

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful tips for improving practice as a beginner and refining technique later on.

[Milt Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-written, great photography, good blend of how-to and inspirational and encouraging. I borrowed this from the library, now I need to purchase it!

[Vincit-Lee Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-written and excellent, high quality images throughout.

[Lumax · Rating 4 out of 5]

helpful in clarifying certain points