Dark Brown Stoneware Butter Dish

ManufacturerManufactured by Denby (Derbyshire, England, founded 1809)

ManufacturerManufactured by Joseph Bourne (Belper, England, 1788 - 1860)

DesignerDesigned by Gill Pemberton (born 1936)

Date1970s

Object Namebutter dish

Mediumstoneware

ClassificationsCeramics

DimensionsOverall (butter dish and lid): height 6.5cm × width 16.8cm × depth 12.5cm

AcquisitionPresented in 2003.

LocationOn Display - Gallery 06

Object numberABDMS065991

Keywords

Tableware

About MeThe Arabesque range of tableware was designed by Gill Pemberton 1962-1963 and was in production 1964-1984. Made in stoneware, it was inspired by a visit to Russia, and was originally named Samarkand. This had to be changed because Portmeirion also brought out a range of that name. The pattern was originally hand painted onto the raw unfired glaze by decorator Trish Seal, but the thickness of the colour required created problems in firing, with inconsistencies in colour and with the colour tending to run. Hand painting was replaced by glaze transfers which created a more stable and uniform pattern.
Gill Pemberton studied at Birmingham College of Art and at the Royal College of Art in the 1960s. She worked for Denby for 21 years. She also designed the publicity material for Arabesque.
More About Me

Collections Wall

Denby pottery was very popular in the 1970s, not least this Russian-inspired design.

Exhibitions

Gallery 06 - Feasting