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flameware explosion myth

updated thu 28 feb 08

 

David Jenkins on tue 26 feb 08


Every time the issue of flameware clay comes up in clayart someone (Li=
li and to a lesser extent Vince) brings up the myth of the woman who was bl=
inded by an exploding pot and sued the potter, who then lost everything. =
This is JUST A MYTH!
You are of course correct in warning people of the inherent danger of =
flameware clay. There are problems and pitfalls that people should be awar=
e of when they use this clay.
The last time I checked with Seattle Pottery Supply (3 years ago) they=
were still producing and selling a flameware clay and had had no problems =
or lawsuits. They of course had also heard the myth but were unable to s=
ubstantiate it.
I have several pots that I made from the flameware formula in Studio P=
otter magazine. I have used them periodically for about 8 years on top of =
the stove and in the oven with no problems. I would not however sell them=
to the public as flameproof. But I love having them for my own use.
A recent issue of the William sonoma catalog has a flameware clay pot on=
the cover. I believe it is made by Emile Henri in France. Someone als=
o mentioned mentioned the clay pots from Italy that are very popular cooki=
ng and serving pieces in Cinque Terrre. I have seen them for sale here in=
the U.S. in cooking stores. These of course are industrial suppliers and=
are better suited to the mass production of something that requires exacti=
ng standards. I bring them up only to point out that there is a desire fo=
r clay cooking pots. =20
`Having gone on about this I have to close by saying that if anyone kno=
ws the name of the woman who was blinded or the potter who lost everything =
in the lawsuit please let me know so that I can offer an apology. D=
avid jenkins
=20


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Lee on thu 28 feb 08


On 2/27/08, David Jenkins wrote:
> Every time the issue of flameware clay comes up in clayart someone
>(Lili and to a lesser extent Vince) brings up the myth of the woman who was
> blinded by an exploding pot and sued the potter, who then lost everything.
> This is JUST A MYTH!

Here! Here! Knowledge and education is the only thing that
quells irrational fear.


--
Lee in Mashiko, Tochigi Japan
http://mashikopots.blogspot.com/

"Let the beauty we love be what we do." - Rumi