SEMINAR 2013
 

The 2013 Seminar was one of the best ever, with extensive displays and fascinating presentations. The display theme was Daniel's early shapes, that is, London, Cusped, Etruscan and Old English, and this was supported by a highly informative talk by Bryan Beardmore, illustrated by slides and items from the display. Pat Pengelly then shared her research into the Daniel family which raised some intriguing questions about Richard, and left everyone eagerly awaiting further results of Pat's continuing work and the next revelations.
	Pam Woolliscroft, former curator of the Spode Museum, gave an illustrated talk on the Spode family through four generations, starting with Josiah Spode I’s father (also called Josiah) to just after the death of Josiah Spode III when the firm became Copeland and Garrett. The talk, which was entertaining as well as informative, described their earliest days in the pottery industry and the growth of their pottery business, and set the context for the work of Henry Daniel. NB: This theme, so important to a proper understanding of Daniel, is continued in the talk by John Democratis at the 2014 Seminar r which covers  relationship between Daniel and Spode.
	Jim Rose gave us some fascinating insights into the making of the ITV programme 'Secret Dealers' with a video showing his superb Daniel collection. During the breaks, members were able to make a closer inspection of the themed displays, and also took advantage of the extensive Sales Table to fill gaps in their collection.
		In an illustrated talk titled 'Most Wanted' John Simpson covered the 'Missing Shapes', items shown in the surviving pages of the Daniel Pattern Book but not yet found as made examples. He suggested that this may be because they did not conform to our mental image of typical Daniel pieces, and distributed a pocket sized leaflet showing these shapes which members could use as an aide-memoire when visiting antique centres or fairs. The concept proved very popular with members, and is being extended to cover all Daniel shapes in a pocket Field Guide.
This year the attributions session took a new format, with a panel leading the discussion on puzzle pieces but inviting contributions from the floor.  This proved to be most enjoyable, and had the advantage of sharing the wide range of experience and knowledge accumulated by our members. The Challenge Cup was awarded to Peter Luscombe for a most impressive pot-pourri vase which he had discovered. Peter had earlier impressed members during the informal Saturday evening session. Ceramic paints and blank plates were provided so that members could have a go at decorating. However Peter's considerable artistic skills elevated the session into an amazing demonstration of technique, as he quickly created excellent copies of two Daniel plates. Perhaps the most enjoyable aspect of the Seminar is the opportunity it provides to renew old acquaintances, make new ones, and share our enthusiasm for Daniel wares. The great atmosphere of the seminar and the content of all the talks was captured on video by Nick Hawkins, and DVDs were subsequently made available to allow members who attended to relive the experience, and members who could not be present to share the pleasure. Make sure of your place at the next Seminar by keeping a watch on the Latest News on this website.