Introducing Handbuilt Pottery

Introducing Handbuilt Pottery was published in 1973 by B.T. Batsford, a firm long associated with instructional texts on crafts and the decorative arts. Released during a period of renewed interest in studio pottery and hobbyist ceramics, the book served as a practical guide for beginners and educators looking to move beyond the potter's wheel. Its release captured the ethos of the 1970s back-to-basics movement, which encouraged tactile, artisanal approaches to functional domestic objects.

The book focuses on foundational techniques such as coiling, slab-building, and pinching, emphasizing the accessibility of clay as a medium. Tony Jolly, the author, structured the content to demystify complex forms, favoring clear demonstrations of structural integrity and decorative finishes. The work was well-regarded among hobbyist potters for its straightforward tone and remains a representative example of mid-twentieth-century instructional design, prioritizing function and ease of learning over ornamental excess.