Making Salt-Glazed Pottery

In this very special episode. We interview master potter Larry Gillam from Conner Prairie Interactive History Park, in Fishers, Indiana. Join us as we watch skillful hands transform clay into beautiful and functional pottery using historically accurate techniques.
Conner Prairie Website ▶ www.connerprairie.org/ ▶▶
Help support the channel with Patreon ▶ / townsend ▶▶
Twitter ▶ @Jas_Townsend
Facebook ▶ jas.townsend
Instagram ▶ townsends_official

Пікірлер: 303

  • @townsends
    @townsends7 ай бұрын

    Salt glazed porringer www.townsends.us/products/porringer and English tankard www.townsends.us/products/english-tankard

  • @DalekDrone09
    @DalekDrone096 жыл бұрын

    "Lots and lots of mugs" he said as you showed a crowd of faces. Lol.

  • @Gottaculat
    @Gottaculat2 жыл бұрын

    I wish I had money and time to build a workshop where I could bounce around between all my craftsman interests. Pottery, baking, gunsmithing, jewelry making, leathercraft, blacksmithing, ammo reloading, wood carving, painting, boat making, bow making, 3D design/printing, engineering, architecture, hunting, cooking, building aircraft, crafting tea blends, etc., it all interests me. The torturous part is I'm intelligent enough and have the natural aptitude to do it all, but don't have the funds to do most of it, and I hate asking people for money. Feels like my potential is being wasted. I guess I should pick one and just go for it. While I somewhat envy people like you being able to pursue your passions, I also feel really happy that you're achieving your passions. It brings a smile to my face seeing people living the dream. Gives me both hope and motivation. Keep up the great work!

  • @Saamniferu
    @Saamniferu4 жыл бұрын

    I was looking for a video on glazes and than i saw "Is that townsends???" And i was like YES!

  • @DrewCoffman

    @DrewCoffman

    4 жыл бұрын

    This just happened to me. A truly beautiful experience.

  • @optimisticnihilist3417

    @optimisticnihilist3417

    3 жыл бұрын

    Came from Primitive Technology huh?

  • @Saamniferu

    @Saamniferu

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@optimisticnihilist3417 No. But I do like their content.

  • @corbanwilson2622

    @corbanwilson2622

    3 жыл бұрын

    Same! Freaking love him

  • @Saamniferu

    @Saamniferu

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@corbanwilson2622 Yeah!

  • @ScorchieCritter
    @ScorchieCritter7 жыл бұрын

    I wish what the salt does had been better explained. I was curious about it (because that was one I never remember learning about in pottery class), so I looked it up: When it vaporizes, the sodium reacts with the silica in the clay to form a glass-like coating of sodium silicate. It's glossy, translucent and has an orange-peel like texture.

  • @faizalf119

    @faizalf119

    7 жыл бұрын

    I wonder how they found out that salt will do that to clay. Probably a potter accidentally left a bag of salt inside the oven.

  • @psycholocke4090

    @psycholocke4090

    7 жыл бұрын

    Faizal F . it is more likely that a bag or pot of salt felt into the process of making the clay for the pottery. and since the solt will not harm the clay and the effort put into is likely not to be wasted. they will have noticed the change to the glace after the burning.

  • @mrdanforth3744

    @mrdanforth3744

    7 жыл бұрын

    When you look at all the different kinds of clay used, the glazes, the different chemicals used for coloring and painting, there must have been an immense amount of experimenting done to figure it all out. But then people have been making pottery for 8000 years.

  • @sbrichcreek

    @sbrichcreek

    7 жыл бұрын

    I think it was the German potters (700+ years ago) who discovered salt glazing. They noticed that when they used driftwood and other salt soaked wood (from barrels and crates) to fuel their kiln, it caused the pots to become glossy.

  • @Thoran666

    @Thoran666

    7 жыл бұрын

    Yeah Wikipedia sais they had salt glazing in the Rhineland back in 1400 but in an article about a museum exhibition in Bonn it states they display there chloride vessels dating back 2500-3000BC from Iran.

  • @katiewenta
    @katiewenta7 жыл бұрын

    Oh my GOODNESS! My child visited Conner Prairie on a field trip a couple years ago... I had NO idea the extent of what is taught there! I will def need to plan a fam trip down to take it all in!

  • @sherylhoward4831

    @sherylhoward4831

    2 жыл бұрын

    Conner Prairie is great! If you ever have the chance go to Colonial Williamsburg. I am dying to go back. Loved it!

  • @alanhelton

    @alanhelton

    3 ай бұрын

    Have you made your trip? If so how was it?

  • @lzygenius
    @lzygenius7 жыл бұрын

    This was like watching poetry, his voice and that music choice; major props to whoever edited this.

  • @verdatum
    @verdatum7 жыл бұрын

    I REALLY love this format for videos. Anything you can capture on the trades, that's what I absolutely live for. I could watch hours of this stuff. Potter, brickmaker, collier, blacksmith, farrier, foundryman, shoemaker, dressmaker, printer, bookbinder, woodworker, tanner, leathercrafter, gunsmith, wheelwright, housewright, I love it all so much. Nice to hear some new music on this. I've always been a fan of the hammer dulcimer.

  • @matthewdockter2424
    @matthewdockter24247 жыл бұрын

    I came here from reddit when your fried chicken episode blew up. I stayed because the passion you guys have for preservation of history is unparalleled. The interviews with living historians and the videos at various historical locations are great videos. I've yet to see you guys do a bad video. Great work!

  • @arianaiscurlyfri1

    @arianaiscurlyfri1

    7 жыл бұрын

    Matthew Dockter I did the exact same.

  • @gregkral4467
    @gregkral44676 жыл бұрын

    Hey there folks, my wife and I are doing ceramics at my family's old construction shop now that everyone else has passed, I fully believe we can do well with traditional ceramic vessels pots and containers, and I sure appreciate all your work sharing and teaching the rest of us so much. I love your videos, presentations, and lessons from history. Thank you all so much for all your hard work and love of the topic, the biggest crime I see in this day and age is the forgetting of the old ways. Bless you all and yours.

  • @sandgrains3418

    @sandgrains3418

    2 жыл бұрын

    I like to learn this craft. my greetings for you 🌹

  • @chi5065
    @chi50653 жыл бұрын

    He's like the most interesting grandpa that I never had but wished had and most likey be excited to visit him every summer.

  • @juliestevens6931
    @juliestevens69317 жыл бұрын

    My mom got me into thrown pottery. It took me so long to learn to center the clay on the wheel. I have done it enough (successfully and unsuccessfully) to appreciate the talent and skill necessary to do this day after day. It is so cool to watch the potters and look at the glazes and see how they come out.

  • @richard6133
    @richard61337 жыл бұрын

    I especially liked the music track on this video. The subject matter and the speaker were good too, but that track really topped it off and fit extremely well with the video.

  • @MrKmoconne

    @MrKmoconne

    7 жыл бұрын

    Yes, I liked the music track as well.

  • @antblaster9k
    @antblaster9k7 жыл бұрын

    this guys a sweet old man and no one dare make fun of him for doing what he likes

  • @yomomz3921

    @yomomz3921

    7 жыл бұрын

    ant - Well I wasn't going to, but now that you've told me I can't, I feel like I must... I'm thinking up a pottery punchline, so I'll just need a minute...

  • @Makingnewnamesisdumb

    @Makingnewnamesisdumb

    7 жыл бұрын

    I've seen better glaze on this guys mom.

  • @random66849

    @random66849

    7 жыл бұрын

    Heck no. Pottery is rad.

  • @Marqan

    @Marqan

    7 жыл бұрын

    he's Larry Potter

  • @verdatum

    @verdatum

    7 жыл бұрын

    Usually, Townsend comments aren't like comments on the rest of KZread. I'm grateful for that.

  • @lumpythumb1305
    @lumpythumb13055 жыл бұрын

    I would like to thank Jon for brining this up on my radar. I plan on doing an Indiana tour this summer with First American Axe and Forge, Jas. Townsend, Conner Prairie, and Self Reliance Outfitters as my stopping points.

  • @kevin6495
    @kevin64957 жыл бұрын

    The production value on this episode was real high quality. Keep up the great work!

  • @nekocal
    @nekocal7 жыл бұрын

    I absolutely loved the format of this video. And the Potter was such an amazing example of confidence and humbleness. Very cool

  • @5argetech56
    @5argetech567 жыл бұрын

    My love for this channel has grown tenfold. The way you bring history to life and giving a view from all walks of life that time in history.

  • @srbontrager
    @srbontrager6 жыл бұрын

    Here 3 weeks ago, My mom and sister went down to Connor Prairie, along with a bus load of others. All of a sudden, I got the brainstorm, to show some of your videos. This being one of those. They immediately recognized Larry, and showed me the pieces of pottery they purchased while there. Mom got a 1 pint salt crock. My sister got a coffee mug. They were very intrigued with Larry's work.

  • @chickenfriedchickenn
    @chickenfriedchickenn7 жыл бұрын

    Another superbly made video, John. What an awesome guy this potter is! It makes me happy there's someone like this teaching visitors about history who's so passionate about his work.

  • @mikekuppen6256

    @mikekuppen6256

    6 жыл бұрын

    Such a pleasant man to listen to.

  • @faizalf119
    @faizalf1197 жыл бұрын

    Pottery always amaze on how diverse they are according to geography, soil quality and content, and techniques. While in US potters use salt to glaze their wares in Japan they use certain iron rich clay to do that. Also clay from vulcanic area will give different result of colour and texture compared to clay from other area.

  • @garethbaus5471

    @garethbaus5471

    3 жыл бұрын

    There are also techniques that used wood ash as a glaze.

  • @thatguymax
    @thatguymax7 жыл бұрын

    always excited to watch excellent quality videos from you guys!

  • @FlintSparkedStudios
    @FlintSparkedStudios7 жыл бұрын

    The slow motion shots of the fire alongside the music was really beautifully done.

  • @sharedplough1178
    @sharedplough11787 жыл бұрын

    This is a beautiful and well-produced video. Thanks!

  • @chaoton
    @chaoton6 жыл бұрын

    Wow, the quality of this video is superb. It deserve a lot of praise and more attention.

  • @LivingFrugalAndPrepping
    @LivingFrugalAndPrepping7 жыл бұрын

    I have a question that's not related to the episode at all. I am just curious what types of family games did they play say indoors during rainy weather. Thank You.

  • @talexander7217

    @talexander7217

    7 жыл бұрын

    That would make a great video.

  • @dwightehowell8179

    @dwightehowell8179

    7 жыл бұрын

    Most likely knuckle bones would have been on the list. Older version of jacks. Checkers. By the 18th century playing cards were mostly common though kind of expensive. Some board games are pretty old. Fox & ladders? Hull gull guess how many. Marbles

  • @kattiew1133

    @kattiew1133

    5 жыл бұрын

    I think story-telling was more usual than games.....

  • @dr.froghopper6711

    @dr.froghopper6711

    2 жыл бұрын

    They did a lot of work. Kids learned from parents by helping do the things that needed doing. Mending tools or clothes or other useful crafts. Possibly a bit of food preservation. But kids had toys to play with too. Different technology but kids are kids.

  • @lesahanners5057
    @lesahanners50577 жыл бұрын

    What another fantastic video, thank you so much for sharing this. It gives me a much better appreciation of the old crocks and pottery jugs that I have that have come down through the family to me.

  • @grumpygrumpgrump136
    @grumpygrumpgrump1367 жыл бұрын

    Wonderful video. You guys just get better with each and every video. Keep them coming.

  • @gregkral4467
    @gregkral44675 жыл бұрын

    Beautiful video. Wonderful work. Thanks for sharing with us out here.

  • @Stormlaughter
    @Stormlaughter7 жыл бұрын

    Oh that was wonderful! Thanks for a great video!

  • @Immopimmo
    @Immopimmo7 жыл бұрын

    Quality video as always! It makes me happy to see people who love to create and make beautiful things. :)

  • @frobbit30
    @frobbit307 жыл бұрын

    Simply beautiful, thank you for this video!

  • @Lifeholder
    @Lifeholder6 жыл бұрын

    I quite enjoyed watching this. Thanks for posting.

  • @lauriemclean1131
    @lauriemclean11317 жыл бұрын

    So thankful for all of you who work so hard to keep our history alive for our generation and generations to come.

  • @Liutgard
    @Liutgard7 жыл бұрын

    Ooh! O love salt-glazed work! One of my favorite cups is salt-glazed! I really like how durable it is, and how easy it is to clean. And it has such a nice clean look to it, too. One of my apprentices is learning some pottery, mostly 14th-15th century forms. It's one of those things that you can pick up the basics pretty easily, and she says that you can get middling-good with a little effort. But real skill takes a lot of work- she figures that much work will have to wait until her kids are a little older and she's not spending all of her time driving the van to Scouts and t-ball and all that. In the meantime though, she did make me a couple of lovely small glasses- about 4oz. Very good for those night when you're sitting around the fire, drinking. :-)

  • @pottersjournal
    @pottersjournal5 жыл бұрын

    Nice to see this being done in a historic village setting, thanks.

  • @timbailey4055
    @timbailey40553 жыл бұрын

    Such a beautiful art. Thanks for guiding me to the video

  • @Hoochy0208
    @Hoochy02087 жыл бұрын

    Still not sure why I love this channel, but it's great! Keep up the good work!

  • @stevendee2831
    @stevendee28317 жыл бұрын

    he talks about his pottery like I talk about my leather, except I'm just past that 20 yr. mark.

  • @darianroscoe1017
    @darianroscoe10177 жыл бұрын

    Very enjoyable. Hope many more like this one in the future. Thank you.

  • @allisallaboutthedog6103
    @allisallaboutthedog61037 жыл бұрын

    that was an amazing video guys!!! well done!!!! I'm so sharing this!

  • @johnhavens776
    @johnhavens7766 жыл бұрын

    Pottery and weaving were two crafts I enjoyed as a kid. I think I still would.

  • @robisnowtired
    @robisnowtired7 жыл бұрын

    Lovely short film!

  • @jodydorsett8726
    @jodydorsett87267 жыл бұрын

    Really well done!

  • @clayeasy
    @clayeasy2 жыл бұрын

    What a beautiful, calm video! Nice to see your kiln and the great results! Greetings from Finland 🇫🇮

  • @MrJohnManifold
    @MrJohnManifold2 жыл бұрын

    This channel is extraordinary. The quality of the content and the production values are sensational. I am a Brit who likes real history, and seeing how our better part took themselves off and made a great nation is fascinating.

  • @RonsardMoolman
    @RonsardMoolman3 жыл бұрын

    Your channel makes me happy.

  • @allisonshaw9341
    @allisonshaw93412 жыл бұрын

    We have several salt-glazed pieces, from a large pickling jar (with lid), several slightly smaller jars (1 with lid), a large bowl, a butter-churn, and some pieces for the table. All of them have the blue floral painted motifs and have been handed down through the past 5 generations. I use the pickling jar for my flour and the smaller jar with lid for my cornmeal. Except for the churn, we use it all. It's beautiful and part of my family's history.

  • @chwastozercyancientslowfoo205
    @chwastozercyancientslowfoo2052 жыл бұрын

    Beautiful video. Thank you 💚

  • @russellrlf
    @russellrlf7 жыл бұрын

    Amazing video! I need to visit this place.

  • @jeffm3283
    @jeffm32832 жыл бұрын

    Lovely work, thank you

  • @olderendirt
    @olderendirt2 жыл бұрын

    Fascinating process. I'd like to learn more about it. Nice to hear his story, too. The music is wonderful, too.

  • @MrPandafarts
    @MrPandafarts7 жыл бұрын

    great photography. Keep it up!

  • @mammiemania893
    @mammiemania8936 жыл бұрын

    As a former Hoosier, I am so glad that I found this on your website. I am so grateful to have been a witness to this video. It's a well done production.

  • @KimGibsonfiberlover
    @KimGibsonfiberlover Жыл бұрын

    What a lovely visual story!

  • @cosettelewallen4281
    @cosettelewallen42816 жыл бұрын

    I love pottery. Thank you for this video.

  • @fortbumper
    @fortbumper7 жыл бұрын

    an other great video from Townsend and Son !

  • @franzferdinand5150
    @franzferdinand51503 жыл бұрын

    He looks and sound like a passionate and patient good guy!

  • @syabushcraft3417
    @syabushcraft34177 жыл бұрын

    Great video, it would not hurt my feelings atall if there was a part two show more details. There is power in knowing how to do for your self.

  • @santiagocortez9554
    @santiagocortez95543 жыл бұрын

    I come from a lineage of great potters of the Javier family, and this is amazing ❤️

  • @s.leemccauley7302
    @s.leemccauley73023 жыл бұрын

    A very useful video and essential skill.

  • @theviral5
    @theviral56 жыл бұрын

    I have no idea how I missed this video, but as someone who soda glazes pottery (similar process) this makes my heart sing!

  • @MrKmoconne
    @MrKmoconne7 жыл бұрын

    @Jon Townsend. It was from the rafters of that pottery kiln that I saw the chicken being hung by a string, being cooked over a fire on the ground. The potter's dinner I guess.That was back in the 70s. I have no idea why that made an impression on me except for the fact that you don't need much to roast a chicken; just a fire and some string!

  • @andrewdunton8596

    @andrewdunton8596

    5 жыл бұрын

    I love every video I have seen of yours. Another hit you are amazing thank you for enlightening us in this tech craved and digital based society

  • @VisyVisyTV
    @VisyVisyTV6 жыл бұрын

    I learned something new. Thank you.

  • @iartistdotme
    @iartistdotme7 жыл бұрын

    I never learned about salt-glaze in school, either. I was so surprised that it is what makes the glaze as I thought it was used to make mottling in the glaze. The shine is just beautiful and now I want to have a bowl. On another note, I noticed what looked like a small 'lick' of fire coming out the chimney. It reminded me of the horrible Christmas morning we had (new to a fireplace) where we through all the wrapping paper into the fire while cleaning up and immediately a roar sent my husband out the door to get the hose and keep our roof from burning up. We hadn't learned our lesson from the stove pipe in the kitchen that caught fire from the carbon build up! How often did people clean their sooty chimneys and how did they do it? That information could certainly be used today.

  • @jmkupihea7630

    @jmkupihea7630

    6 жыл бұрын

    From what I've read, they (get ready) grabbed a couple chickens and dropped them down the cold chimney. The flapping dislodged the soot, and the chickens would land unharmed but probably ticked off.

  • @SandraNelson063
    @SandraNelson0637 жыл бұрын

    Mr. Gillam IS making music. His instruments are wheel, clay and fire. The glaze is the grace note.

  • @kittenkagome1
    @kittenkagome17 жыл бұрын

    Beautiful video.

  • @zer0m0stel
    @zer0m0stel7 жыл бұрын

    I HAVE BEEN WANTING THIS!!!! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

  • @andraetkula6044
    @andraetkula60443 жыл бұрын

    Beautiful Work.....❤

  • @BeachBalance
    @BeachBalance7 жыл бұрын

    Beautiful!

  • @lumpythumb1305
    @lumpythumb13054 жыл бұрын

    Best living history museum I've been to so far.

  • @psycholocke4090
    @psycholocke40907 жыл бұрын

    very nice video. well made. i have seen a lot of pottery videos over the last weeks. what a coincidence you made one too 😉 hopefully you can cover some other areas of hose hold items and daily life products as well.

  • @72truckster
    @72truckster7 жыл бұрын

    Excellent, video making skills.

  • @celtgunn9775
    @celtgunn97757 жыл бұрын

    I have always felt like I was born in the wrong era. And watching the videos on this channel always make me feel "in the right place" when I imagine life in the 1800's. Thanks Jon, y'all make great content every time.

  • @witchyvicar
    @witchyvicar7 жыл бұрын

    Oh, that's so lovely! (I've done pottery myself, back in the day) I hope I can get there to watch that at some point. Do they sell what they make there?

  • @sbrichcreek

    @sbrichcreek

    7 жыл бұрын

    Yes

  • @guywolff
    @guywolff2 жыл бұрын

    LOve the pots !!! . 50 years at the wheel out here (mostly flowerpots ) .Salt in the 1970's and 80's . I worked at Jugtown in 69 .. Ewenny in Wales after that and Wetheriggs pottery in the lakes after that .. I would love to visit .. ! Yours Guy

  • @patwyld
    @patwyld7 жыл бұрын

    Can you please do a video on fishing tools and techniques for different types of seafood

  • @sabrinaleedance
    @sabrinaleedance4 жыл бұрын

    Learning to make pottery and ceramics was one of my favorite parts of school

  • @Pieces_Of_Eight
    @Pieces_Of_Eight3 жыл бұрын

    It's a privilege to watch a passionate, seasoned professional talk so fondly about their art. What a pleasure! Salt-glazing originated in Germany during the Middle Ages, but there's a legend that in New England (Norwich, Connecticut) the technique came into use in 1680 following a cooking accident involving untended salt-pork brine bubbling over earthenware on a fire.

  • @mikeymike9118
    @mikeymike91187 жыл бұрын

    That was great!

  • @kuribo1
    @kuribo17 жыл бұрын

    completely awesome

  • @workingguy6666
    @workingguy66667 жыл бұрын

    Outstanding.

  • @yomomz3921
    @yomomz39217 жыл бұрын

    awesome! I'd love to hear more detail :-)

  • @carsonkundolf3448
    @carsonkundolf34487 жыл бұрын

    I just came back from "Colonial Williamsburg" and wow that was fun. What you guys do is amazing

  • @anitastar1253
    @anitastar12533 жыл бұрын

    Thank you that was beautiful and inspirational as a beginner hobby potter. I am from Australia but maybe one day we could visit

  • @shig357
    @shig3577 жыл бұрын

    Amazing video. Would love to see a future video about beekeeping in the 18th century.

  • @jimkunkle2669
    @jimkunkle26697 жыл бұрын

    That is amazing.

  • @crowjr2
    @crowjr27 жыл бұрын

    A video about craftsmanship exhibiting excellent video craftsmanship. thanks, I was enchanted by this video.

  • @moderntentcamping
    @moderntentcamping4 жыл бұрын

    Great video. I love seeing how things were done in the 18th and 19th century. Would like to see how single pen log cabins were typically furnished.

  • @ElGatoLoco698
    @ElGatoLoco6987 жыл бұрын

    Cool beans. I've always wanted to get into the pottery thing.

  • @alanhelton
    @alanhelton3 ай бұрын

    I have not been to “Prairie Town” in almost three decades. I should make a trip to the Hoosier Heartlands and see that wonderful piece of Hamilton County once more.

  • @Amanda-kw1vi
    @Amanda-kw1vi2 жыл бұрын

    I remember watching this years ago! Watching it again :) I know they used to sell these but not sure if they sell them online, need to look. I know Townsend's has some drinkware

  • @vincentperratore4395
    @vincentperratore43953 жыл бұрын

    Wonderful!

  • @stephanienuce7711
    @stephanienuce77117 жыл бұрын

    Absolutely beautiful.

  • @rosemcguinn5301
    @rosemcguinn53016 жыл бұрын

    Sorry to be so late to the party...This was really wonderful. Nice job everyone

  • @SandyzSerious
    @SandyzSerious7 жыл бұрын

    Excellent!

  • @janecollette9504
    @janecollette95047 жыл бұрын

    I'm learning to make pottery, and is a wonderful skill. learning the salt kiln is a wonderful skill.they specialize in different kilns including salt and soda kilns at Utah State University. it is facinating.

  • @RobinLoiselle
    @RobinLoiselle7 жыл бұрын

    Love to watch potters at work.

  • @abcstardust
    @abcstardustАй бұрын

    I had no idea Salt is used as a glaze. Thank you for this excellent video

  • @DH-br9kq
    @DH-br9kq7 жыл бұрын

    I LOVE Connor Prairie!!!