Scheurich 549

One of my favourite Scheurich forms is the 549. It is simple yet stylish; seemingly perfect for showing off a variety of glazes – something which Scheurich certainly didn’t hold back on.

We’ve had quite a few of this form over the years and I always delight in seeing how the many varied glazes and patterns play out over the simple, mid century design of this shape:

This isn’t the only version of the Scheurich 549: there are two more variations to the form. I would guess, judging by the colour combinations on this variation, in comparison to some of the others that this version is a slightly later one.

For example, this version is much more muted in colour:

Scheurich 549-21 (2)

Scheurich 549-21 (2)

And strikes me that it could come from an early period. There’s something not as appealing about this version of the form; I don’t like the rim on the top in combination with the slightly sloped sides.

However, this 18cm version of the 549 is actually quite appealing:

Scheurich 549-18

Scheurich 549-18

Dating this version is a little more tricky. That example would suggest 1950s, whereas this following one would suggest later, perhaps the ’60s:

Scheurich 549-21 (7)

Scheurich 549-21

Once again, when you place many of the same form together, it shows off the variety that Scheurich had in their glazes. Although they may not demonstrate the technical intricacies of other manufacturers such as Otto or Ceramano, there’s no denying the scope of the imaginations of the designers at Scheurich.


The Olympic Rings in Pottery

If you combine a garage full of West German pottery with the London Olympics, and a free afternoon… what do you get?

 

 

 

 

And the finished article:

 

The Olympic Rings in West German Pottery

The Olympic Rings in West German Pottery

West German Pottery Olympic Rings

West German Pottery Olympic Rings

Taking the Olympic Glory!

Taking the Olympic Glory!

Aidan was taking the pictures so I got the posing duty. I won’t go into detail, but suffice it to say, that my plan of just lying the pieces of pottery into circles was quickly vetoed by Aidan. Before I knew it, he’d got his bamboo cane and string out to measure out the circles properly.

Team GB seem to be picking up the pace – and the medals – in the Olympics in the last couple of days. Yesterday, although I was gutted for Victoria Pendleton and Jess Varnish, I was very pleased for the Men’s team. Not just a gold medal but another World Record?! Brilliant!

We’re off to watch British Sea Power at the Ruby Lounge tonight, then off to Southport for another wedding tomorrow; so not so much Olympics watching for me for the next couple of days.


Cycling Ceramics

This will have to be a very quick post as we’re about to head off down to London to watch the Olympic Cycling at Box Hill. We’ve got a car full of tents, food – but no liquids in greater quantities of 100ml; camping stools and five and a half people to squeeze into Wanda the Kangoo.

A few days ago, we spent the afternoon playing with our pottery (not a euphemism) and have come up with a few Olympics themed ideas. Due to time constraints, you’ll have to wait until after the weekend to see our other efforts. For now, please enjoy some cycling themed pictures of West German pottery…

West German Pottery Bicycle

West German Pottery Bicycle

Would the cyclists prefer to use this one?

Would the cyclists prefer to use this one?

Good luck to Cav, Wiggins and Froome for Saturday, hopefully we’ll see you whizzing past on one of the nine laps around Box Hill.


Pottery for Sale

There are some stunners amongst the latest batch of West German Pottery for sale on Aidan’s Ebay (if I do say so myself!). Scheurich glazes, even the most simple ones, deserve some appreciation. Last week I looked at the Scheurich Lora glaze; there’s one for sale here which is a particularly striking piece. I also like the bold orange and black of the 401-20.

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Even just this small selection of West German pottery shows the variety available: form, colour, glaze; all can vary drastically from one piece to the next, between one factory and another.

If you’re interested in any of the pots you see in the slideshow, have a look at Aidan’s ebay page here.


The Allure of the Scheurich Lora

The Scheurich ‘Lora’ is one of the most recognisable glazes in the company’s range. There are a few variations, but the basic theme is a shiny red base overlaid with thick, crusty black and white glaze that has been cut away to reveal the red underneath.

The ‘Lora’ glaze is one of consistently best sellers of West German Pottery. There’s just something about the colours and the pattern that seems to attract many buyers. I wonder how many ‘serious’ collectors dismiss the glaze as being too common, too mainstream as a Scheurich best-seller? However, there is no denying there is a certain allure to it.

The pot in the top left of the picture above is a perfect example of a stereotypical piece of the Scheurich ‘Lora’ glaze: classic colours and design. There are variations though as can be seen from the other pieces; changes in colour, length and width of the incisions down the sides, one layer of ‘cuts’ or two, a more yellowy or grey tinge to the base and so on. There is a slight imposter on the bottom row, however, the second in from the left that I’ve included in my montage, but I believe this one had a slightly different glaze construction to the others. It seems to stem from the same root though in terms of design.

One of my favourite variations here is the gigantic 279 piece with the two-level orange incisions, middle row, last pot above. The 279 is the daddy piece to my beloved Scheurich 414s and I love the orange version of the glaze here. I have never seen anything other than red, green or orange on the ‘Lora’ glaze; a purple or blue could have worked fantastically against the cooler, whiter-tinged glaze variations.

So, what is the charm of this glaze? The contrast? The range that can be collected in the glaze? I’m not sure… but what I am sure about is that this Scheurich glaze is one that will remain popular within the West German Pottery market for a while yet. Prices for these pieces remain steady, and as the market for mid century ceramics continues to expand, it is striking and collectable pieces of Scheurich such as these that will help to bring WGP further into the mainstream design aesthetic.


Patriotic Pottery

The beauty of collecting West German Pottery is that you can always tailor it to fit into any design, colour or style that you want. The current trend for all things Union Jack, London and British is all very well and good, but what do you do with your stuff next year or the year after?

As we’re in the process of doing our house up, colour schemes and so on are a constant topic of conversation (or at least thought when you can’t be bothered to trawl through Wallpaper Direct again). I think this year, my nod to the patriotic theme of 2012 will be to dot a few red, white and blue pieces of West German pottery around the house. Maybe stick a few of the free flags we got in Ashton a few weeks ago in some of the pots.

I wonder if someone could design/manufacture some pottery inspired bunting?


Potty Parents

The latest batch of Ebay sales came from my parents. Last year, my dad and sister did their own mini German road trip and came back with a few West German Pots of their own. I bought a couple from them, including a gorgeous Italian dish and an amazing Schaffenacker piece. This week, Aidan was selling some of their other pieces:

The sales have already ended now, but it’s always worth a look anyway. If you want to see what else Aidan has for sale – ending next week – just click here. If you happen to spot one of your new purchases in the pictures above, say hello! Always lovely to find out where the pots have gone to.

Apologies for the lack of blogging recently – far too much to do with the house and work. Hopefully, the end (as far as work is concerned) is in sight. I cannot wait for that final GCSE exam to be done! As much as I’ll miss my two year Eleven classes, I’ll definitely enjoy the extra free periods I get in return. More blogging will ensue at that point, I promise.


Colours of Spring

Spring Greens - West German Pottery

Spring Greens - West German Pottery

 The new season has prompted me to get blogging again. As many experienced bloggers probably now, once you’ve had a break, it can sometimes be difficult to get back into it again. Add dark nights to make taking pictures difficult, long working hours and a lack of inspiration and the problem is just compounded.

Yesterday was a particularly lovely day and fortunately, thanks to my lovely boyfriend, I’ve got some pretty pictures of pottery in spring colours for you to ogle:

Yellow (ish) Germany Pottery

Yellow (ish) Germany Pottery

The majority of these have come from the last trip to Deutschland. We still can’t quite believe just how much we brought back this time. Every time someone comes to visit, they get hauled out into the garage like it’s a prize pig… prize pottery at least.

Aidan’s posed the green selection in front of a massive pile of logs that he’s built in our back garden:

Aidan's trademark wonky angle photograph...

Aidan's trademark wonky angle photograph...

This wood was compiled by my dad when he found out we were getting a wood-burning stove… he started about three weeks ago. I received several phone calls from my Mum about this, that went a bit like this:

“Can you hurry up and get your stove fitted, please Emma?”

Me: “Why?”

“Because your Dad has bought himself a chainsaw to cut up logs with and has destroyed both the back garden and the front one with logs, trees and sawdust.”

He’d tidied up a bit when we went round at the weekend, but there was still a huuuuge pile of logs and wood to be sorted out. Not that we minded at all: we’ve now got enough wood to keep us going until this time next year, I’m sure of it. And he’s sent me a picture today of yet some more he’s got for us. Amazing.

Another look at the yellows...

Another look at the yellows...

I’m not usually a big fan of yellow pottery, but mingled in with the greens – and, to be honest, not being particularly yellow yellow – these look quite lovely. I also like the contrast of the purple flowers on the bush behind with these colours.

It’s probably a good job that Aidan has found another use for the pile of logs. If this warm weather continues, we’re unlikely to actually use the new stove much once it’s installed. At least that job will be done and should give us the impetus to start other renovations and decorations.

Which is your favourite pot from the ones in the pictures? Mine’s the green and black, 1950s style Carstens in the green selection, and the fairly neon U-Keramik piece at the front of the yellow picture.


Subtle Beauty

Not all West German pottery is gaudy and ostentatious. Some of it is subtle, muted even and, in many cases, all the more beautiful for it.

Related articles


Fohr Friday

Fohr seemed to produce good quality, simple yet stylishly designed and beautifully coloured pottery:

We’ve only got a few, but it’s no surprise that we’ve ended up keeping most of them.

What’s everyone up to this weekend? I’m off out for dinner tonight with my lovely workmates, and then – if I get my way! – to the SpotiFriday Night at the Deaf Institute, Manchester. Quite looking forward to it and need to get thinking about my requests now.

Today is also a big thank you to everyone who’s been reading my blog and leaving me lots of lovely comments. This has been my busiest month yet in terms of views; it’s nice to know so many people seem to enjoy my randomness and ramblings!

Emam :)


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