'Riverbed Clay' Jar
MakerMade by
Amy Benzie
(Aberdeen)
Date2023
Object NameJar
Mediumclay
ClassificationsCeramics
DimensionsOverall (Height x Width x Circumference ): 115 × 90 × 290mm
AcquisitionCommissioned in 2022 by Aberdeen Archives, Gallery and Museums (Aberdeen City Council) with support from Friends of Aberdeen Art Gallery.
Copyright© Amy Benzie
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS095740.5
About Me'Riverbed Clay' is a reference to the healing powers of the waters of Doonies Well and the Struak Burn in Aberdeen. Washing the water over the skin is said to heal ailments.
Amy Benzie’s series of five jars were made in response to the George Shepherd Pharmaceutical Collection in Aberdeen Archives, Art Gallery & Museums holdings. The jars, once used at Davidson & Kay Limited, have influenced the aesthetics of Amy’s work.
Amy's jars are engraved with North East ‘remedies’, based on local knowledge and ‘auld wives' tales heard from growing up in the area. The ‘remedies’ have been incorporated in to the making of the jar, and each cure is included as a flux or colourant within the glaze. This glaze incorporates local riverbed clay which gives a pink colour to the jar.
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