Set in the breathtaking landscapes of Western North Carolina, this book explores the region's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. It delves into local traditions, folklore, and the unique communities that shape the area. Readers will discover the intricacies of the Appalachian lifestyle, including its music, crafts, and culinary delights. The narrative captures the essence of the mountains and the stories of the people who call them home, making it a vibrant tribute to this enchanting part of the country.
Potter, teacher, and writer Jack Troy once said, "If North America has a 'pottery state, ' it must be North Carolina." North Carolina Potteries Through Time proves to readers that his assessment is correct. Prehistoric Native American potters first made pottery in the region, followed by eighteenth-century English and German settlers. Many generations of potters followed in their footsteps, and today hundreds of potters and ceramics artists turn out ware in every part of the state. In the town of Seagrove, there's a whole museum and educational center dedicated to North Carolina pottery production. Many private and public collections exist. Buyers seek it out at auctions, antique shops, kiln openings, festivals, and studio sales. This book is chock-full of images representing all periods and styles of pottery made in the state, including many published for the first time. Readers new to the topic, as well as expert collectors, historians, and potters will find satisfaction in this richly illustrated and descriptively written volume.
H. Leslie Moody and Frances Johnson Moody never owned the company outright, but their dreams shaped North Carolina's Hyalyn Porcelain, Inc. and drove it forward to the satisfaction of an emerging, increasingly modern post-World War II America. Hyalyn's reputation for high quality led to its association with top designers like Michael and Rosemary Lax, Eva Zeisel, Georges Briard, Charles Leslie Fordyce, Herbert Cohen, Erwin Kalla, and Esta Brodey. Before moving to North Carolina in 1945, ceramic engineer and designer Less Moody prepared to organize and operate Hyalyn Porcelain, Inc. From Zanesville's Mosaic Tile Company, Ohio State University's ceramics department, Love Field Pottery, Abingdon Pottery, San José Potteries, and Rookwood Pottery, he gained expertise in clay formulation, glaze chemistry, product design, plant operation, project planning, advertising, and employee management. With the aid of investors, his dream came true when, in 1946, Hyalyn's first lamp bases and flower containers emerged from the shop's tunnel kiln. Thoroughly documented and illustrated with 425 images, hyalyn: America's Finest Porcelain is a complete history of Hyalyn Porcelain, Inc., and its successors, Hyalyn Cosco, Hyalyn, Ltd., and Vanguard Studios.
