Turners and Burners: The Folk Potters of North Carolina

Fred W. Morrison Series in Southern Studies

by Charles G. Zug III

This richly illustrated portrait of North Carolina's pottery traditions tells the story of the generations of "turners and burners" whose creations are much admired for their strength and beauty. Perhaps no other state possesses such an active and extensive ceramic heritage, and one that is entirely continuous. This book is an attempt to understand both the past and the present, the now largely vanished world of the folk potter and the continuing achievements of his descendants. It is a tribute that is long overdue.

From the middle of the eighteenth century through the second quarter of the twentieth century, folk potters in North Carolina produced thousands of pieces of earthenware and stoneware -- sturdy, simple, indispensable forms like jars and jugs, milk crocks and butter churns, pitchers and dishes, ring jugs and flowerpots. Their wares were familiar and everyday, not innovative or unusual, because they were shaped through generations of use for specific functions. The utilitarian forms were so commonplace and embedded in daily life that few individuals documented the craft. Turners and Burners is the first book to chronicle these pottery traditions, with close attention to distinct regional and temporal patterns and the major families involved. It explores in detail the traditional technologies used, from the foot-powered treadle wheel to the wood-fired groundhog kiln.

Terry Zug became interested in North Carolina pottery in 1969 shortly after moving to Chapel Hill. In 1974 he began documenting the craft and traveled throughout the state recording the reminiscences of potters, former potters, and members of potters' families who recalled the old craft in remarkable detail. He systematically photographed and cataloged old pots, located early shop sites, and carefully recorded the remaining waster dumps of broken shards and decaying equipment. His primary source, however, was the potters themselves. Their tape-recorded interviews provide an insider's view of their world and reveal the powerful underlying logic and autonomy of their craft.

Genres: Art, History

488 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

Reviews

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book holds a special place in my heart. It chronicles the story of my husband's potter grandfather, Burlon Craig. Mr. Craig is credited with keeping N.C. pottery traditions alive at a time when no one else was interested. Through Charles Zug's books and PBS documentaries, a Pottery Renaissance was begun. What Mr. Craig had made his entire life as utilitarian pieces now became sought-after pieces of art. The whole idea of people paying lots of money for his work baffled him. Later in his life, he was given many awards and recognition but he remained the same humble man. He was also always very appreciative of Zug and the recognition and opportunities that his interest had brought him.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not of much interest to anyone but pottery nerds, but of great interest to those who are. This book is the most comprehensive I've read, in some ways, covering lots of aspects of folk pottery. Like all the pottery books, though, it has this veil/varnish/filter of...can I call it condescension? Something that seems to say, "Awww, look at those country people with their old-timey ways." All the more reason the world needs my thesis! Definitely a great resource, though, and one I'm thankful to have for this project.

[Craig Brantley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good book on the evolution and craftmanship of NC pottery. I was lucky enough to meet Burlon Craig and appreciate his influence on a generation of artists. We've referenced this many times and will always have it close at hand. And for my wife; " That aint no text book, Zug wrote it".