Cumnock Pottery
The Cumnock pottery began production around 1791 at Glenbrae, and although some motto-ware does survive from this time, its main period of popularity was around the mid 19th century. Motto-ware became popular so quickly within Ayrshire that the potters started producing it as their main range, before this it had mostly been produced as specific requests to celebrate family events such as weddings. By the latter years of the 19th century huge amounts of motto-ware from Cumnock were being sold throughout the UK.
"Gie Yer Tongue Mair Holidays Than Yer Heid"
Background
The town of Cumnock has been associated with the production of
pottery since 1792. Patrick, Earl of Dumfries and Countess Margaret
appointed James Taylor from Leadhills to undertake a geological
survey of their estate, report on the minerals found and establish
a pottery. The exploitation of mineral wealth for commercial
purposes, especially coal, was a common practice for landed gentry
in the 18th century.
Taylor was given the onerous responsibility for the Lime, Coal and
Black Lead Works plus Ironstone, Clays, Lead and all works to be
established in the future! He was contracted for 40 years. He came
from a humble background but had an excellent education, studying
Medicine and Divinity at Edinburgh University. However, like many
other academics of his time, he was highly practical with many
varied skills.
'Be Canny wi the Butter as its no sae Cheap'
The Pottery
Graphite was found at Craigman near Cumnock in 1770 and this when
ground and mixed with fireclay allowed for the production of
crucibles used for melting metals. Graphite was also used for
manufacturing 'lead' pencils. Lady Dumfries took great interest in
running the estate and she and Taylor worked together on many
projects besides pottery including manufacturing Cumnock Pencils,
it was commented, 'as memorandum pocket pencils they exceed any
other'.
Cumnock Pottery struggled to get established and the early pieces
were rudimentary glazed and unglazed brown mugs, flagons, bowls,
pancheons, pickling jars and salting pots. It took until 1812 to
make the pottery viable. When Taylor died the business was taken
over by the Nicol family and it was during this time that the motto
ware really took off. The Nicol family ran the pottery until it
closed in 1907.
'Tak A Wauch For Luck'
Production
The clay was mixed with water, made into a slip and sieved. It was
boiled, then 'wedged' (handworked), cut to size by women and
weighed. Men threw the pots and women turned the handles that
turned the wheels. The pots would be left to dry. Glazing came
next. A white slip of clay and water was applied and a motto
scratched on the surface. The pots were immersed in the glaze or
partly dipped. The pots were then transferred to the kiln for
firing. The fuel was coal and firing took three days and two
nights.
