'Huggable' Pot

MakerMade by Stephen Bird (Stoke-on-Trent, England, born 1964)

Date2004

Object NamePot

Mediumearthenware

ClassificationsCeramics

DimensionsPot: 73 x 39.5cm
Lid: 13.5 x 12.5cm

AcquisitionPresented in 2005. Commissioned by Aberdeen City Council, Culture and Learning for Woodlands Special School and funded through the Scottish Arts Council Creative Links Commission.

LocationOn Display - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDAG011224

Keywords

About MeThis is a Stephen Bird 'huggable pot', which is one of two pieces by the artist specially commissioned by Aberdeen City Council and Learning. The earthenware vase has an ovoid body tapering to narrow foot, with a cylindrical neck and domed cover with moulded head of a child.

The lid is an inverted bowl featuring the hollow head of a child, which is painted in ochre with dark-lined eyes, dark cheeks and lips and black hair. Moulded motifs are applied all over the pot, and many are accompanied by inscriptions in Braille.
Under the head of the child on the lid, reads the word 'TOUCH', the armoured man clad in black and brandishing a sword is accompanied by the word 'VILLAIN' in Braille, and next to the profile of the lady reads the Braille word 'PRINCESS'.

This is one of two works made by the artist for a Creative Links Commission. The project was proposed by Aberdeen City Council Culture and Learning and was funded by the Scottish Arts Council. The commission was for two works for two schools in Aberdeen; Woodlands Hospital School and Hazelwood Special School. The other work which Stephen Bird made for Hazelwood Special School is a wall piece, the accession number of which is ABDAG014366.