Stamford Ware
Encyclopedia
Stamford Ware is a type of lead glazed earthenware, one of the earliest forms of glazed ceramics manufactured in England. It was produced in Stamford
, Lincolnshire between the ninth and thirteenth centuries. It was widely traded across Britain and the near continent. The most popular forms were jugs, spouted pitchers, and small bowls. Distribution of Stamford Ware has been used to map trade routes of the period.
Early Stamford glazes are essentially lead glazes and it has been suggested they were unique among early English glazes as they contain traces of silver but not tin. The glaze was applied with a brush and can be pale yellow, orange, pale green and smoke blue. This depended on many factors including glaze composition, iron content and whether fired in reduced or oxidised conditions.
Examples can be seen at Stamford Museum
and elsewhere.
Greenish Anglo-Saxon pottery discovered in the town in 1950 suggests lead glaze was in use in early times. A medieval kiln was found during work at Stamford School
in 1963, and a much earlier one in Stamford Castle in 1976.
Various modern potters have produced work inspired by Stamford Ware, including Joba in Stamford in the 1970s. No potter is currently making salt glaze work in the area.
Stamford, Lincolnshire
Stamford is a town and civil parish within the South Kesteven district of the county of Lincolnshire, England. It is approximately to the north of London, on the east side of the A1 road to York and Edinburgh and on the River Welland...
, Lincolnshire between the ninth and thirteenth centuries. It was widely traded across Britain and the near continent. The most popular forms were jugs, spouted pitchers, and small bowls. Distribution of Stamford Ware has been used to map trade routes of the period.
Early Stamford glazes are essentially lead glazes and it has been suggested they were unique among early English glazes as they contain traces of silver but not tin. The glaze was applied with a brush and can be pale yellow, orange, pale green and smoke blue. This depended on many factors including glaze composition, iron content and whether fired in reduced or oxidised conditions.
Examples can be seen at Stamford Museum
Stamford Museum
Stamford Museum was located in Stamford, Lincolnshire in Great Britain. It was housed in a Victorian building in Broad Street, Stamford and was run by the museum services of Lincolnshire County Council from 1980 to 2011.-The building and area:...
and elsewhere.
Greenish Anglo-Saxon pottery discovered in the town in 1950 suggests lead glaze was in use in early times. A medieval kiln was found during work at Stamford School
Stamford School
Stamford School is an English independent school situated in the market town of Stamford, Lincolnshire, England. It has been a member of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference since 1920.-History:...
in 1963, and a much earlier one in Stamford Castle in 1976.
Various modern potters have produced work inspired by Stamford Ware, including Joba in Stamford in the 1970s. No potter is currently making salt glaze work in the area.