Mary Seton Watts and the Compton Pottery
This comprehensive book is both a biographical exploration of the early life of Mary Seton Watts and a survey of the pottery she designed.
Mary Seton Watt's (1849-1938) roots in Scotland, her artistic career and her marriage to the Victorian artist George Frederic Watts all influenced the design of the Grade 1 listed Cemetery Chapel at Compton. It also influenced the art potteries which she then set up, both in Compton (The Potters' Arts Guild) and in her home village near Inverness.
The pottery at Compton was in business for more than fifty years, making terracotta garden ware, memorials and small decorative pieces. It remained open even through two World Wars and a trade depression.
This highly illustrated publication showcases the beautiful and individual pieces of pottery. It is a fitting tribute to the ability of Mary Watts to coordinate both people and resources.
Hilary Calvert's interest in The Potters' Arts Guild started with a chance visit to the Watts Gallery in 1988, when the then Curator showed her pottery as well as pictures. Having previously written a book on 'Chameleon Ware Art Pottery', this was another opportunity for research which soon led to a collection of Compton pottery and ultimately to the publication of this book.
Louise Boreham has been researching the Compton and Aldourie Potteries since 1980. She has contributed to books and published articles on architectural sculpture and ceramics, lectured to specialist interest groups and taken part in radio and television broadcasts on the subject.