Clay in Common by Julia Rowntree & Duncan Hooson

Clay in Common – A project book for schools, museums, galleries, libraries and artists and clay activists everywhere

Overview

As clay and ceramic courses decline in schools, craft and hand skills risk being lost. Clay in Common makes the case for the vital role of clay – and working with clay – in schools and wider society. Illustrated with detailed project examples, the book is a hands-on project guide for teachers; facilitators in museums, galleries, libraries and civic spaces; festival organizers; community activists; artists and students; and policy-makers.

The book calls on Clayground’s experience and creative ventures to show how to:

• Work with schools and the public
• Devise, develop, promote and make projects happen
• Advocate for hand skills in formal education
• Build partnerships and fundraise for work in communities
• Learn as projects evolve.

Hooray for clay! Projects that put clay and ceramics centre stage are invaluable – be it in architecture, public sculpture, cups and saucers on your breakfast table, passing on an understanding of the material is invaluable. Clayground Collective are true clay ambassadors. Their extraordinary work is exemplary.

Kate Malone, Ceramic Artist; Judge, BBCTV Great Pottery Throw Down. “This is not a “how to” book but a “Can you?” book. There is a real passion to discover though materials. This book challenges those with specialist skills to engage the public in that discovery and provides a route to get started.”

Amanda Bright, Head of School of Art, U. of Brighton. “If you’re a practitioner setting out to work with schools and the public where do you go for advice? Clay in Common is a great starting point.”

Steve Moffitt, Chief Executive, A New Direction. “As clay and ceramic courses decline in schools, craft and hand skills risk being lost. Clay in Common makes a strong case for the vital role of clay in schools and wider society. For teachers, parents, school governors, artist-facilitators and education policy-makers, the book has detailed case studies with ideas for projects and activities that can bridge school and community life.”