Nicholas Mosse Pottery History |
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A selection from Nicholas Mosse's
Museum of Antique Spongeware |
Irish spongeware was the traditional pottery of Ireland used in the 18th Century. It was mainly made in simple honest shapes with a decoration applied with a cut sponge. The decoration was rurally inspired often using images of animals & plants popular in the region.
When Nicholas Mosse was growing up, his mother was collecting spongeware. The family were millers and lived in a tiny village in the Irish countryside. From age seven, he knew he wanted to be a potter and he studied and travelled the world to learn his craft. When it was time to set up for himself, he knew home was best and that the simple folk traditions of Ireland were closest to home. |
Taking his inspiration from his mother's collection of antique spongeware, he started producing pottery using sponges in 1976. He has developed Irish earthenware and used the colors, shapes and patterns which are so popular today.
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His dedication to pottery even entailed him developing his own special clay from scratch, and setting up hydroelectricity from the passing River Nore to help fire the pots. He has a strong commitment to the environment. Over the years, he has trained up many local young people and helped his little village become one of Ireland's favourite craft destinations.
The family mill in Bennettsbridge is now the home of Nicholas Mosse Pottery. Visitors are always welcome to pay a call and to see Elizabeth Mosse's tiny and charming museum of early spongeware. Bennettsbridge itself was built in the 14th century and the two mills of the village are still in action: one is the pottery and another makes Irish wholemeal flour. Hydro-electricity is generated to fire the kilns, using the passing water of the River Nore, and fish and wildfowl live happily alongside. |
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Using the inspiration of the quiet rural surroundings, the pottery was decorated by hand with a wide range of natural forms and patterns.
From these small beginnings the business has evolved into being one of Ireland’s best known and most popular potteries. |
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