How to make pottery

by Mary White

"How to Make Pottery" by Mary White is a practical guide on pottery-making written in the early 20th century. This instructional work thoroughly covers the entire pottery-making process, starting from selecting clays and tools to creating various pottery pieces using multiple techniques such as hand-moulding and wheel-throwing. The book is likely aimed at beginners seeking to explore the craft of pottery, emphasizing both creativity and technical skills. The opening of the guide lays a solid foundation with an exploration of the types of clay and tools needed for pottery. It explains the properties of clays, the importance of preparation, and proper techniques for kneading and shaping the material. White stresses the significance of understanding the characteristics of different clays, such as their plasticity and firing temperatures, while introducing essential tools for the craft. This focus sets the stage for readers to confidently begin their journey into pottery, equipping them with knowledge before moving on to actual construction and decoration of their pieces.