Potter son of Charles Richard Courtland was trained by his father and worked for the firm between World War I and World War II in which he served. Charles Grenville wedged and threw immense weights – up to seventy-five pounds – well in excess of what was recognised as the world record of fifty-eight pounds held by a Frenchman. With one exception, and only for a short while, the family have always acted as the throwers. His son (Charles Richard) Grenville followed him.
After World War II the pottery was reorganised to concentrate on flowerpot production in terracotta and birdbaths. The flowerpots were originally thrown by hand but C. G. Courtland invented a machine to press mould the pots. Other larger pots are thrown by hand as it is faster than pressing them. The handmade work is marked with a different Courtland stamp from the press moulded.
The family assisted or advised artist potters of the 1970s such as Joan Campbell and John Fawcett. Marks included: “Courts Astral Ware” from 1913-40s. “Hand Thrown Courtlands Western Australia” surrounding “G.C.” or “B. C.” from 1970-96 (impressed), “C. R. Courtland Western Australia“from 1970-96 (impressed). Other marks used have been “SPW “and 'Courts Ware’.
- Writers:
- Dr Dorothy Erickson
- Date written:
- 2010
- Last updated:
- 2011
