Standards for Exhibition and Sale


The objective of the Standards Committee of the Brantford Potters’ Guild is to present well-crafted pottery of original design for exhibition and sale. Objects submitted to the Potters’ Guild for display or sale will be selected with the following guidelines in mind. The Standards Committee reserves the right to select pottery for a Guild display or sale, on the basis of quality under these guidelines. Principle medium must be clay.

Utilitarian Pottery

Design

The guild encourages original design.
The object should perform the function for which it is intended.
Clays, glazes and decorations should be suitable to the function of the object.

Construction

Forming Process – The Guild accepts coil, slab, wheel, etc, and the use of handmade moulds or any combination thereof. Commercial moulds, bisque or greenware are unacceptable, i.e. tiles are unacceptable.
Glazes –Glaze flaws, e.g., crazing, crawling, pinholing, blistering, pitting, shivering, where detrimental to function, are unacceptable. (Refer to Daniel Rhodes’ book Clay and Glazes for the Potter)


Lead Glazes are NOT Acceptable


Finishing

Clay and glaze are to be fired to maturing point.
Bloating is unacceptable
Bases must be smooth and steady, lips must pour, spouts must be non-drip, rims must be smooth, lids must fit, handles must be able to be held, and containers must hold liquid if meant to do so.

Extremely dry matte glazes are not recommed for food surfaces.

Electrical appliances are not acceptable.

Milk bag containers are useful items; however, if they are intended for dual purposes (i.e., adding ‘a spout’), the Standards Committee will be testing the containers for ‘pourability’ as it does for any other pitcher.

Non-utilitarian Pottery and Ceramic Sculpture including raku and smoke fired objects will be selected by the Standards Committee on the basis of its technical qualities.



Guidelines for Display

Dyed weeds will be allowed only where they are an integral part of the piece.

Natural dried weeds and live plants and flowers are to be kept to a minimum.

Christmas ornaments may be put on display stands as well as in baskets.

If bringing jewelry, it is suggested that items be mounted on neatly finished display boards.

The final decisions regarding all matters of display remain with the Sales Committee.

Jurying your pots by the Standards Committee if for your protection, the protection of the Guild and the public and to encourage and maintain a high level of craftsmanship in the Guild.

If rejection is expressed by more than one standards member, it will be final.

When the Standards Committee is unable to accept a pot for display or sale they will place the pot under the table with an accompanying explanation. The pot will not be juried a second time for that show or sale.