Jessie Tait facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jessie Tait
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| Born | 6 March 1928 Stoke-on-Trent
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| Died | 14 January 2010 |
| Nationality | British |
| Education | Burslem School of Art |
Dorothy Jessie Tait (born March 6, 1928 – died January 14, 2010) was a very talented English ceramic designer. She created many beautiful designs for pottery companies in Stoke-on-Trent, England. Her work was especially important for Midwinter from the 1940s to the 1980s.
Contents
Life as a Designer
Jessie Tait was born in Stoke-on-Trent, a city famous for its pottery. She studied art at the Burslem School of Art. Her first job was helping another famous designer, Charlotte Rhead.
Working at Midwinter Pottery
From 1946 to 1974, Jessie worked as a designer for the Midwinter Pottery. This company made many dishes for everyday use. Midwinter Pottery was later bought by other companies. First, J. & G. Meakin took over in 1968. Then, Wedgwood bought them in 1970.
Jessie Tait then moved to Johnson Brothers. This company was also part of the Wedgwood group. She retired from her design work in the early 1990s.
Jessie's Popular Designs
Many of Jessie Tait's designs were made in large numbers. They appeared on dinner plates, tea sets, and coffee sets. In the 1950s, some of her designs were painted by hand. Famous hand-painted designs included 'Red Domino' and 'Zambesi'.
Her style often used detailed shapes and patterns. These designs looked great when printed onto pottery. Later, designs like 'Spanish Garden' became very popular. She also created many designs for the 'Stonehenge' shape of pottery in the 1970s.
Special Pottery Techniques
Midwinter also made special vases and beakers with a technique called tubelining. This is where a thin line of clay is squeezed onto the pottery. It creates a raised outline, like icing on a cake. Jessie Tait also did this detailed work at home. She made beautiful tube-lined pieces on terracotta clay for her friends and family. She also designed for the Clayburn Pottery.
Collecting Jessie Tait's Work
Like other designers from the Staffordshire Potteries, Jessie Tait's work is now very popular. Collectors really want to find her pieces. Other famous designers from this area include Clarice Cliff and Susie Cooper.
Images for kids
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A Clayburn lamp base with a version of Tait's 'Fiesta' design.
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Jessie Tait tube lined vase, made in 1957.
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Vases and a beaker designed by Jessie Tait for Midwinter Pottery.
