Artefacts

Clay: an introduction

Clay is one of the most satisfying and seductive materials to work with. It is made up of millions of tiny plate shaped particles. When water is present in the correct proportion these particles will slide easily over each other without breaking. When the clay body contains approximately 20% water it can be easily moulded or shaped. From the earliest times man has used the qualities of clay to form functional and decorative artefacts. We can arrange clay bodies into five general groups: RAKU The word raku has Chinese origins and describes a specalist type of firing where the pots Read more

St Bride Library

The collections cover printing and related subjects: paper and binding, graphic design and typography, typefaces and calligraphy, illustration and printmaking, publishing and book-selling and the social and economic aspects of the printing, book, newspaper and magazine trades. The Library is open to the public free of charge, without formality. Photocopies can be supplied, and photography is permitted by appointment. 50,000 books. All the classic works on printing technique, visual style, typography, graphic design, calligraphy and more. There are many titles that offer excellent subject introductions, and our staff can help in guiding those without detailed knowledge in our subject areas Read more