This postcard dates from the late 1920's or very early 1930's. I think it shows Jimmy Soper, but he's younger here than in other photos I've seen. Jimmy had a long career at Poole Pottery. He was working there in 1930 when Guy Sydenham first joined and was still turning pots at least until the late 1960's, as he was the first person that Janet Laird met when she joined Poole in 1969. I think he was the only turner at Poole throughout this time and so would have put his hand to every single thrown vase that came out of the factory.
The card reads - "Turning the Base of the Pot on the Lathe" - and on the back "After the shape has been "thrown" on the potter's wheel, it is put on a Lathe and the base is made true by turning off some of the clay to make a foot."
There are six cards in this set - I have three so far.
Good morning Rob. Do you know whether Jimmy Soper ever signed his pieces? I look forward to hearing from you. Kind regards Laurian
ReplyDeleteHi Laurian
DeleteI'm sorry I cant answer with any certainty. I think his early work turning the bases of the thrown pots would not have been signed - just as the throwers also didn't mark their work. I dont know if he signed any of the later turned pieces that he produced in the late 1930's, but there is no mark attributed to him in the Hayward and Atterbury book. Best wishes, Rob