31 Thorpe Rd, Needham, MA 02494 USA
Phone: 781-449-7687
Fax: 781-449-9098
Email: PottersShop@aol.com
Regular business hours: M-Th 11:00-5:00, F 10:00-4:00
Our blog is best viewed using Firefox or Safari as your web browser
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Site Search Tips For Using This Website:
Please read these tips for making your browsing easier.
Welcome to our online booklist. Our entire catalog is here for your perusal and I hope you’ll take advantage of everything we have to offer. The site is divided into three sections:Section 1-Site Search Tips, Ordering Info, Staff Picks, Gift Ideas
Section 2-Our Books
Section 3-Our Videos and Tools
Each section is independent of the other. You can quickly access each section by clicking on the link in the sidebar to the right where it says Search By Topic. Our titles are arranged alphabetically by title within specific subject areas in each section. After you finish looking through that section use your "back" button to return to this home page.
- "p" indicates paperback, otherwise the book is hardcover.
- If OUT OF PRINT appears after the author or title it means that the book is out of print and no longer available. We keep the book on the list for your information. We do have an out of print category and we do search for out of print books. Please inquire.
- Our web site has no shopping cart feature so to order (see above) please e mail, phone, fax, or snail mail it in.
- There is no built in search engine. To find items please use your browser’s "find" function. For most web browsers, if you hold down the "apple" or "control" key and type the letter "f" a little box will pop up that allows you type in a keyword to search for. I have found Firefox to be the best browser to use with this site but all browsers will work fine. Unless you are certain of the exact title (including spelling and punctuation) or author of a book or video, search by a familiar keyword. For example, if you search for “kiln”, every book and video with the word “kiln” in either the title or description will be found one at a time. This way you will be sure to find the book you are looking for.
- It is very impractical to print out the catalog directly from this site as it will come to something like a billion pages. If you would like a printed copy of our catalog, please call, email, or fax us. If you just want to print a few titles, I suggest that you "cut and paste" what you want to print into a Microsoft Word document and print from there.
- Other than our tools, there are no photos on this website. We will eventually put some up. Thanks for your patience.
The Potters Shop
31 Thorpe Rd, Needham, MA 02494 USA
Phone: 781-449-7687
Fax: 781-449-9098
Email: pottersshop@aol.com
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Ordering Instructions
please read before ordering
ORDER by email, phone, fax, or regular mail though first time customers may want to order by phone. Our friendly staff are all professional potters, knowledgeable about our products, are happy to help you find the right books or videos for your areas of interest and level of experience, or answer any questions about ordering and shipping.
Would you like a paper catalog? Just ask and we'll mail it out to you. However, our print catalog is never up to date. With new books coming, old ones going, price changes, etc., it’s impossible to keep it accurate. The web site on the other hand is updated almost daily! If you are ordering from the paper catalog only, we suggest you contact us to check your order.
DISCOUNT Deduct 15% from all prices listed, except specials (which are already priced too low!) and items indicated otherwise. Multiple copies of the same book shipped to the same address receive the following discount: 4-7 copies, 20%. 8+, 25%.
PAYMENT must accompany your order and be in U.S. funds. We accept:
* checks
* VISA
* MASTERCARD
* DISCOVER
* money orders
* travelers checks
When using a credit card, please include the credit card number, expiration date, the three-digit security code from the the back of the card, billing address, a daytime phone number, and name on the card.
SCHOOLS and INSTITUTIONS We are happy to invoice schools and institutions. Phone and e mail orders are fine. Regular discounts apply, shipping and packing charges are added. Orders are sent UPS unless otherwise requested.
SHIPPING and PACKING CHARGES We do not make money on shipping and packing! Our charges are designed for simplicity and to recover our costs only. Please read our instructions carefully.
* USA: for regular media mail shipping include $7 for one item plus $1 for each additional item. For UPS or Priority Mail add another $5 per order unless you live in ME, MA, NH, VT, CT, RI, or NY in which case add only $2 more. Alaska, Hawaii, & Puerto Rico please call for UPS rates.
* Canada and other International include $9 for one item plus $1.50 for each additional item. If this does not cover the cost of shipping we will charge you for the balance. Please let us know if you need your order quickly and we will inform you of rush shipping options. We have had very few cases of lost shipments however, we encourage a shipping upgrade to a trackable method since we cannot be responsible for items lost in transit.
Special shipping requests? Let us know.
RETURNS, CREDITS, and REFUNDS Defective products will be exchanged at our expense. Other returns will receive a credit less $1 for one item, $2 for more than one item. Items must be in saleable condition and be returned within 30 days of our shipping date. There are no refunds for returned items, only credits. Defective videos or DVD’s will be exchanged only. If your order contains an item that is no longer available we will send you a credit slip. If you prefer a refund, send back the slip with a note and the cash will be on its way. When using a credit please send us back the yellow slip.
RECEIPTS Other than to schools, institutions, and wholesale accounts, we do not routinely send receipts with orders. (The paperwork is a pain!) If you can copy your order form as a receipt, that helps us out. If you need a separate receipt let us know and we will include one.
SPECIAL REQUESTS are our specialty!
Looking for a book or video not listed? We can search for you. Do you need a more detailed description or recommendation? We'll read you the table of contents and describe the details of the book. Are you making a purchase as a gift? We are happy to send the order directly to the recipient for you and include a gift card. We are the book people!!
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With so much time surrounded by books, videos and tools the staff is bound to run into a few we enjoy. We recommend these items because we feel they are truly worth your time and money.
**Come learn more about us in the new Staff Section**
Steve Branfman, owner...That We Look and See, An Admirer Looks at the Indians, by Marguerite Wildenhain, $30. "If you're not familiar with Marguerite Wildenhain this is a good place to start. Written in 1979, the first part of the book, ...That We Look and See, is a view of the world through Wildenhain's eyes. Sensitive, expressive, personal, and intimate describe Wildenhain's drawings as she shares her observations and sensibilities with you, her student. The second part of the book, An Admirer Looks at the Indians, is an expression of Wildenhain's lifelong interest and fascination with Native American peoples. A selection of her pots is included, illustrating how her visual observations inspire her ceramic art."
Karen Mahoney, staff
Alternative Kilns and Firing Techniques, by Paul Andrew Wandless and James Watkins, special price $7.50. "This book presents a wide variety of possibilities to the potter and condenses them down into this one title rather than having to dig through many book to find similar articles. With summer approaching and the book being so cheap, it seems like a perfect fit."
Sarah Whitlock, staff
Clay, Light, and Water, by Margaret O'Rourke, $29. "A beautiful entry in the Ceramic Handbook series. The focus is on porcelain, as one might expect, but the variety of style and application make it worth a look for all ceramicists."
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Great Gift Ideas:
These are the very special items, the ones we are sure will put a smile on the face of your favorite potter. We have compiled a list of rare, favorite, and best selling items for you to browse. If none of these float your boat we also have gift certificates!
Ceramics by Picasso Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 - Photos by Eric Baudouin, Text by Marilyn McCully
Very few copies of this limited edition were printed and they were sold quietly and without fanfare. It is now out of print and very hard to find. This is a magnificent monument to Picasso's extensive work in clay. The first volume in this slip-cased set presents an in-depth look at Picasso's life in the studio and an intelligent exploration of his work by well-known author and Picasso expert, Marilyn McCully. Historical photos are interspersed with the text, as well as full-color, full-page plates of his work. There are 583 pages in volume one. Volume 2, 93 pages, contains plates of pages from Picasso's sketchbooks, including several pages of beautiful line drawings of bulls, as well as an index to the plates in volume 1. This index is keyed to thumbnail pictures of the work, and includes the forming and decorating techniques used, and the date each piece was produced, for easy reference. The two books in the slipcase are 12"x12", 3" thick and weighs 14 pounds! We have seen this museum-quality edition sold for $500. This is one of the most magnificent books I have ever seen. We have a VERY FEW COPIES available for $375.00. Usual discount applies.
From Mud To Music: Making & Enjoying Ceramic Musical Instruments-HALL 60.00
A textbook on clay instruments. Includes general information on building drums, gongs, bells, flutes, horns, and stringed instruments. A brief discussion of technical challenges and profiles of leading ceramic instrument makers, and a CD of music on clay instruments are included.
Kiln Book, 3rd Edition-OLSEN 45.00
This is THE most comprehensive book on kiln design, construction, materials, & combustion. Everything from refractories, fuels, combustion theory and equipment, methods of construction, and safety practices and systems. Detailed plans for many types and styles of kilns. There is a chapter on electric kilns and an extensive appendix that includes estimating data, arch calculation, conversion tables and more.
Mastering Cone 6 Glazes-HESSELBERTH, ROY p40.00
An outstanding presentation including formulation, theory, concepts, recipes, and full explanations. There is a clear focus on stable glazes for all applications. The authors have taken great pains to make this a most useful and important study.
Potters Dictionary Of Materials And Techniques-HAMER 70.00
5th edition, new and updated. This essential reference book keeps getting better. Every potter should have this book. A week doesn’t go by without me going to it!
Mastering Raku: Making Ware-Glazing-Building Kilns-Firing
Steven Branfman's new book is wonderful. From firing to finishing, this is the definitive reference on raku. Ceramists will be informed and inspired by this newly updated, technique-based book with how-to photos and text. It covers such topics as types of clay, forming techniques, firing, glazes, decoration, and kilns and kiln construction. Mastering Raku also includes a gallery of works from around the world along with updated clay and glaze recipes.
Soda, Clay, and Fire-NICHOLS p35.00
A detailed explanation of the soda firing process that doesn't get bogged down in excessive technical jargon. Nichols' book encourages experimentation. She juxtaposes numerous photos of work by prominent clay artists with information about slips, clay bodies, kiln design, wadding, firing strategies, draw rings, post-firing treatment, soaking, cooling, interchanging salt and soda...
Functional Pottery, 2nd Edition-HOPPER p45.00
A must for anyone involved with, the production of functional ware. or any ware for that matter! Historical, aesthetic, technical & emotional considerations all addressed.
Pottery on the Wheel-WOODY p30.00
Now back in print after much clamoring by the pottery community! Step-by-step throwing techniques. Clearly demonstrates throwing shapes based on the cylinder and bowl forms. Teapots, pitchers, clays, glazes, firing, kilns. An excellent handbook for the beginner or advanced potter.
Clay Whistles-MONIOT p15.00
Step by step instructions with excellent detailed drawings for making a variety of clay whistles and they really work! Troubleshooting and problem solving guide and everything you need to be successful. Great projects for school children right through high school. Also available in a Spanish language edition. There is a companion video see the video section for a special offer.
Portrait Sculpting: Anatomy- FARAUT 55.00
A must have for anyone interested in sculpting portraits. This step by step will guide novice to pro through the anatomy and reflection of expression in clay. A truly beautiful book in its own right.
The Essential Guide To Mold Making & Slipcasting-MARTIN 25.00
Brand new updated and revised edition of Martin's outstanding book Definitive Guide To Moldmaking & Slipcasting. Excellent and complete treatment of the subject with all color photos. Tools, materials, one and multiple piece molds, master molds, slip formulation, casting methods, and troubleshooting. Clear, easy to follow text with detailed instruction makes this THE book to get. Featured artists include Richard Notkin, Donna Polseno, Rick Hensley, Anne Kraus, and Tom Spleth with works by over 50 other contributing artists.
Echoes of the Earth: Ceramics by Toshiko Takaezu-SHIELDS 23.00
Images of a lifetime of work comprises the catalog for the Crocker Art Museum exhibition of this remarkable Japanese-American master ceramist; written by the Crocker’s chief curator Scott Shields, with a forward by Gary Smith. This is an elegant hard cover book. 38 pages.
Following the Rhythms of Life: The Ceramic Art of David Shaner-HELD 35.00
A long look at Shaner's 40 years in clay. Discusses the road he has traveled, from Alfred to Archie Bray, his mentors and his influences, kilns built, pots fired, and the working rhythms of home and studio. Very nicely done. Full color pictures of pots throughout. Hardcover. 119 pages.
Ken Ferguson: Talking with the Wheel-SILVER GATE, INC 45.00
A wonderful tribute to Ferguson's journey through ceramics. Essays by Garth Clark, Peter von Ziegesar, John Perreault, and the potter's interview with Ted Rowland as well as photos of Ferguson working. Beautiful full-color plates throughout the book illustrate his thoughts on form, texture, and color.
Len Castle Potter-CASTLE 90.00
Page after page of beautiful glazes. Page after page of rough, textured surfaces. Photos of the New Zealand landscapes that inspire Castle’s work are included, along with an occasional comment from the potter, but mainly this is a 250 page picture book.
Shoji Hamada, A Potter’s Way and Work-PETERSON 60.00
An updated version of the classic written by a fellow potter, and long-time friend Susan Peterson. A close view of the great potter’s day to day workings and process.
Warren MacKenzie: Legacy Of An American Potter-Rochester Art Center 55.00
This is one of the most lovely exhibition catalogs I have ever seen. Written and published in conjunction with the exhibition of the same name at the Rochester Art Center, the collection brings together over 350 works and archival materials spanning 6 decades. The catalog includes over 300 pieces in glorious photos that are as close to being there as can be. A forward, introduction, and two guest essays along with a selection of archival photos complete the package. The book is printed on the highest quality glossy paper and enclosed in a wooden slip case. This is a very special book.
Ceramic Millennium, Critical Writings on Ceramic History, Theory, and Art-CLARK p45.00
A collection of 29 of the finest papers written by some of the most well known ceramic writers from eight international ceramic symposia held between 1979-1999. Fascinating and provocative insights, theories, reflections, opinions, and facts.
Clay in Art International: Yearbook 2006-2007-ed. TARKASIS 60.00
A year of clay art in full-page color plates. Highlighted events include "The Art of Betty Woodman" retrospective exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, the opening of the Clayarch Gimhae Museum in Korea, "The Human Form in Clay - The Mind's Eye" international exhibition, and a sneak preview of an upcoming Kurt Weiser show. Includes a CD-Rom of additional information and over 1200 more images.
Chado: The Way Of Tea-SANMI p40.00
Published in 1960, this classic study is now available in English. An almanac and encyclopedia of tea, this book includes traditional poetry used during the tea ceremony, reflective short essays, vignettes of festivals and formal occasions, and much more. This is a unique volume with contents not included in any other book on tea, written by one of the most renowned tea masters of the 20th century.
Art Business Encyclopedia-DUBOFF 30.00, p20.00
Over 300 pages of legal and other aspects of business practices for all artists. More than you may need, but why not have it all at your fingertips? This is not a how-to of setting up a business but a resource book to help you identify and answer questions.
