Dark Brown Stoneware Dish

DesignerDesigned by Gill Pemberton (born 1936)

ManufacturerManufactured by Denby (Derbyshire, England, founded 1809)

Date1970s

Object Namedish

Mediumstoneware

ClassificationsCeramics

AcquisitionPresented in 2003.

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDMS065992

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.
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Collections Wall

This popular Denby Arabesque pattern was originally hand-painted, but the thickness of the colour caused problems in firing, so glazed transfers were used instead