Latest news with #Bell'sPottery
Daily Record
17-06-2025
- Science
- Daily Record
North Ayrshire Provost officially opens Scottish Maritime Museum's summer exhibition
'Beneath the Waves' brings together a historic ceramic collection recovered from the shipwrecked SS Eagle by Graeme Bruce, award-winning photography by Lawson Wood and detailed marine sketches by Christina Riley. North Ayrshire Provost Anthea Dickson officially opened the Scottish Maritime Museum's summer exhibition, 'Beneath the Waves'. The Provost joined Matthew Bellhouse Moran, Executive Director, and Eva Bukowska, Exhibitions and Events Officer of the Scottish Maritime Museum to mark the opening of the colourful exhibition which celebrates the extraordinary world beneath the ocean's surface. Also present were exhibition collaborators Oban-based diver and maritime explorer Graeme Bruce, renowned underwater photographer, marine conservationist and writer Lawson Wood and Ayrshire underwater artist and writer Christina Riley. The exhibition is the first time that the collection of rare 19 th century ceramics recovered from the 1857 iron steamship SS Eagle off Lamlash Bay, Arran, last year, have been on public display. The ceramics were made by Glasgow-based Bell's Pottery. In the 19 th century, Glasgow was a major centre for the production of ceramics and Bell's Pottery was arguably the most internationally significant producer of ceramic wares in Scotland at that time. Lawson Wood's award-winning photography reveals the captivating world of marine life and ranges from colourful tropical fish and seals to corals and anemone. Christina Riley's work focuses on the small details of complex and beautiful marine ecosystems. The exhibition features a selection of photographs and pencil drawings created during her time as a snorkelling-artist-in-residence at the Argyll Hope Spot. Part of the global Mission Blue initiative led by the renowned oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle, the Hope Spots project highlights areas critical to the health of the ocean. Other Hope Spots include the Galapagos Islands and Great Barrier Reef. Complementing the SS Eagle ceramics, 'Beneath the Waves' also features cups and plates from the Scottish Maritime Museum's own national maritime heritage collection as well as four vessels dating back to the Roman Empire on loan from North Ayrshire Heritage Centre. Visitors can also learn more about free diving and how this ancient practice has advanced our understanding of marine archaeology and conservation. Admission to 'Beneath the Waves' is included in museum admission. The museum is open daily 10am – 5pm. Up to three children go FREE with each Adult/Concession ticket.
Glasgow Times
07-06-2025
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow pottery found in shipwreck goes on display
Names like Deltfield in Anderston, The Caledonian Pottery and Bell's Pottery were just some of the companies producing stoneware, earthenware and bone china using locally sourced clays. Their products travelled the globe but have almost been forgotten since the kilns closed down and the buildings were demolished. Pottery class, Glasgow, 1952 (Image: Newsquest) A little piece of Glasgow history is returning, however, as a collection of rare 19th century ceramics recovered from a shipwreck go on display for the first time. The Beneath the Waves exhibition, which goes on show in the Scottish Maritime Museum's Linthouse building on Irvine Harbourside from today (June 7) will include the pottery salvaged from the wreck of the 1857 iron steamship SS Eagle off Lamlash Bay in Arran las year. The exhibition brings together the historic ceramic collection, award-winning underwater photography and an artist's detailed marine sketches to celebrate the extraordinary world beneath the ocean's surface. A washing bowl made by Bell's Pottery, retrieved from the SS Eagle (Image: Beneath the Waves) The SS Eagle ceramics, which were discovered by Oban-based diver and maritime explorer Graeme Bruce and team in July 2024, were made by Glasgow's Bell's Pottery. Established by brothers John and Matthew Perston Bell in late 1840 or 1841, it is recognised as arguably the most internationally significant producer of ceramic wares in Scotland at the time. It sat at the corner of Stafford Street and Pulteney Street, close to the Forth and Clyde Canal which was used to transport goods and raw materials. Graeme Bruce (Image: Beneath the Waves) According to the Scottish Pottery Society, Bell's Pottery export wares have been found as far afield as South America, the Far East, Australia and Canada. The last piece of Bell's Pottery was probably made around 1912. The SS Eagle collection features ceramics destined for trade and exhibition in Londonderry, Northern Island, and artefacts from the ship's galley. A piece of Bell's Pottery ceramic ware (Image: Beneath the Waves) Exhibits include seven plates and a bowl, a teapot lid and two bottles which still hold 'sparkling water' in addition to a decanter and bell. Beneath the Waves also features cups and plates from the Scottish Maritime Museum's own national maritime heritage collection as well as four vessels dating back to the Roman Empire on loan from North Ayrshire Heritage Centre. Eva Bukowska, exhibitions and events officer at the Scottish Maritime Museum, said: 'We are really excited to host the first showing of these fascinating ceramics recovered from SS Eagle. "The vessel also has a significance for the Museum as it was built by Alexander Denny, who was the brother of William Denny, whose test tank is now home to our second collection in Dumbarton.' The SS Eagle was acquired by the McConnel and Laird Line of Glasgow in June 1859 for service as a passenger and cargo vessel. Just five months later, on November 28, 1859, it sank after colliding with a sailing boat, the Pladda, while en route from Glasgow to Londonderry. Eleven lives were lost. Graeme Bruce added: 'Diving has been my great passion for 35 years. 'For me, a shipwreck is a 'time capsule' hidden from view over time by the sea. The privilege of being able to explore and connect with the past is beyond description. 'Enabling the artefacts from shipwrecks like this Bell's Pottery collection to then have a new life on show for everyone to learn from and appreciate is so important.' Beneath the Waves has been curated in collaboration with renowned underwater photographer, marine conservationist and writer Lawson Wood; diver, maritime explorer and retired engineer Graeme Bruce; and Ayrshire underwater artist and writer Christina Riley. It runs until September 13.
Daily Record
06-06-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Items recovered from 1859 tragic Ayrshire shipwreck to go on display at museum
The SS Eagle is seen as an unprecedented example of an almost intact cargo of 19th century Glaswegian ceramics. A collection of rare 19th century ceramics recovered from the wreck of the 1857 iron steamship SS Eagle off Lamlash Bay, Arran, last year, will go on display for the first time in the Scottish Maritime Museum's Summer exhibition which opens tomorrow. The 'Beneath the Waves' exhibition, which goes on show in the museum's Linthouse building on Irvine Harbourside, brings together the historic ceramic collection, award-winning underwater photography and an artist's detailed marine sketches to celebrate the extraordinary world beneath the ocean's surface. The SS Eagle launched from the Dumbarton yard of Alexander Denny in July 1857. The 324 tonne steamer was acquired by the McConnel and Laird Line of Glasgow in June 1859 for service as a passenger and cargo vessel. Just five months later, on November 28, 1859, SS Eagle sank after colliding with a sailing boat, the Pladda, whilst en route from Glasgow to Londonderry with a general cargo, two hundred sheep and fifty four passengers. Eleven lives were lost. The SS Eagle ceramics, which were discovered by Oban-based diver and maritime explorer Graeme Bruce and team in July 2024, were made by Glasgow-based Bell's Pottery. Bell's Pottery was established by brothers John and Matthew Perston Bell in late 1840 or 1841. The site at the corner of Stafford Street and Pulteney Street was close to the Forth & Clyde Canal which was used to transport goods and raw materials. According to the Scottish Pottery Society, Bell's Pottery export wares have been found as far afield as South America, the Far East, Australia and Canada. The last piece of Bell's Pottery was probably made around 1912. In the 19th century, Glasgow was a major centre for the production of ceramics and rivalled the Staffordshire potteries. Bell's Pottery itself is recognised as arguably the most internationally significant producer of ceramic wares in Scotland at the time. The lack of surviving pottery from Glasgow's industrial ceramics period, which spanned three centuries from 1748 to the mid 1980's, makes the SS Eagle's ceramic tableware nationally significant. The SS Eagle collection features ceramics destined for trade and exhibition in Londonderry, Northern Island, and artefacts from the ship's galley. Exhibits include seven plates and a bowl, a teapot lid and two bottles which still hold 'sparkling water' in addition to a decanter and bell. Complementing the SS Eagle ceramics, 'Beneath the Waves' also features cups and plates from the Scottish Maritime Museum's own national maritime heritage collection as well as four vessels dating back to the Roman Empire on loan from North Ayrshire Heritage Centre. Eva Bukowska, Exhibitions and Events Officer at the Scottish Maritime Museum, said: "We are really excited to host the first showing of these fascinating ceramics recovered from SS Eagle. The vessel also has a significance for the Museum as it was built by Alexander Denny, who was the brother of William Denny, whose test tank is now home to our second collection in Dumbarton." Graeme Bruce added: "Diving has been my great passion for 35 years. For me, a shipwreck is a 'time capsule' hidden from view over time by the sea. The privilege of being able to explore and connect with the past is beyond description. Enabling the artefacts from shipwrecks like this Bell's Pottery collection to then have a new life on show for everyone to learn from and appreciate is so important. Connecting people with a heritage like this means everything to me and those I dive with." 'Beneath the Waves' exhibition has been curated in collaboration with renowned underwater photographer, marine conservationist and writer Lawson Wood; diver, maritime explorer and retired engineer Graeme Bruce; and Ayrshire underwater artist and writer Christina Riley. In the exhibition, Lawson Wood, who enjoyed his first scuba dive aged 11 years, draws on 60 years of underwater photography. His images reveal the captivating world of marine life and range from colourful tropical fish and seals to corals and anemones. Christina Riley's work focuses on the small details of complex and beautiful marine ecosystems. The exhibition features a selection of photographs and pencil drawings created during her time as a snorkelling-artist-in-residence at the Argyll Hope Spot. Part of the global Mission Blue initiative led by the renowned oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle, the Hope Spots project highlights areas critical to the health of the ocean. Other Hope Spots include the Galapagos Islands and the Great Barrier Reef. Visitors can also learn more about freediving and how this ancient practice has advanced our understanding of marine archaeology and conservation. 'Beneath the Waves' runs from Saturday, June 7 to Saturday, September 13. Admission to 'Beneath the Waves' is included in Museum admission. The museum is open daily from 10am until 5pm. Up to three children go FREE with each Adult/Concession ticket.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Public to see Arran shipwreck pottery for first time
Pieces of rare 19th Century pottery - which were recovered from a shipwreck off the coast of Arran - are to go on display for the first time. The ceramics were discovered by diver Graeme Bruce, 65, from Oban in the wreck of the SS Eagle, a mile from Lamlash Bay, last July. The ship - an early steamboat - was heading to Ireland when it sank in 1859 after colliding with another vessel. Eleven people died. Several artefacts made by the Glasgow-based Bell's Pottery will appear in the Scottish Maritime Museum's Summer exhibition which opens in Irvine on Saturday. Graeme, a retired engineer, and the team of seven other divers, were 53 metres beneath the surface when they spotted the treasure trove of rare pottery. Most of the ship had rusted away but the cargo was lying well preserved in the mud. In the 19th century, Glasgow was a major centre for the production of ceramics and rivalled the Staffordshire potteries. Bell's Pottery is recognised as arguably the most internationally significant producer of ceramic wares in Scotland at the time. The haul on the SS Eagle is an unprecedented example of an almost intact cargo of 19th century Glaswegian ceramics. The SS Eagle's ceramics cargo was destined for trade and exhibition in Londonderry. Exhibits include seven plates and a bowl, a teapot lid and two bottles which still hold 'sparkling water' in addition to a decanter and bell. Eva Bukowska, exhibitions and events officer at the Scottish Maritime Museum, said: "We are really excited to host the first showing of these fascinating ceramics recovered from SS Eagle. "The vessel also has a significance for the museum as it was built by Alexander Denny, who was the brother of William Denny, whose test tank is now home to our second collection in Dumbarton." Graeme Bruce said: "Diving has been my great passion for 35 years. "For me, a shipwreck is a 'time capsule' hidden from view over time by the sea. The privilege of being able to explore and connect with the past is beyond description. "Enabling the artefacts from shipwrecks like this Bell's Pottery collection to then have a new life on show for everyone to learn from and appreciate is so important. "Connecting people with a heritage like this means everything to me and those I dive with." The SS Eagle launched from the Dumbarton yard of Alexander Denny in July 1857. The 324-tonne steamer was acquired by the McConnel and Laird Line of Glasgow in June 1859 for service as a passenger and cargo vessel. Just five months later, on 28 November 1859, SS Eagle sank after colliding with a sailing ship, the Pladda, whilst en route from Glasgow to Londonderry with a general cargo, 200 sheep and 54 passengers. According to the Scottish Pottery Society, Bell's Pottery export wares have been found as far afield as South America, the Far East, Australia and Canada. The last piece of Bell's Pottery was probably made around 1912. The Beneath the Waves exhibition, in the museum's Linthouse building in Irvine, also features award-winning underwater photography and an artist's detailed marine sketches. It runs from Saturday 7 June to Saturday 13 September. Divers discover treasure trove of old Glasgow pottery
The National
05-06-2025
- General
- The National
19th century ceramics recovered from shipwreck to go on display
The SS Eagle sank off the Isle of Arran on November 28, 1859, after colliding with a sailing boat, with the loss of 11 lives. The ship was sailing from Glasgow to Londonderry with a general cargo, 200 sheep and 54 passengers when the collision happened. The ceramics, discovered by Oban-based diver and maritime explorer Graeme Bruce and team in July 2024, were made by Glasgow-based Bell's Pottery. READ MORE: American investors buy UK's oldest ice hockey team based in Scotland During the 19th century, Glasgow was a major centre for the production of ceramics, and the items from SS Eagle will form part of the Scottish Maritime Museum's summer exhibition from Saturday. Bruce (below) said: 'Diving has been my great passion for 35 years. For me, a shipwreck is a time capsule hidden from view over time by the sea. (Image: Graeme Bruce) 'The privilege of being able to explore and connect with the past is beyond description. 'Enabling the artefacts from shipwrecks like this Bell's Pottery collection to then have a new life on show for everyone to learn from and appreciate is so important. 'Connecting people with a heritage like this means everything to me and those I dive with.' The Beneath The Waves exhibition at the museum in Irvine, North Ayrshire, brings together the ceramics, award-winning photography and an artist's marine sketches. Bell's Pottery is recognised as arguably the most internationally significant producer of ceramic wares in Scotland at the time. The haul from the SS Eagle is almost intact, which museum bosses say is unprecedented. Experts said this, coupled with the lack of surviving pottery from Glasgow's industrial ceramics period, which spanned three centuries from 1748 to the mid-1980s, makes the SS Eagle's ceramic tableware nationally significant. (Image: Scottish Maritime Museum in North Ayrshire) The SS Eagle collection features ceramics destined for trade and exhibition in Londonderry, Northern Ireland, and artefacts from the ship's galley. Exhibits include seven plates and a bowl, a teapot lid, two bottles, a decanter and bell. Complementing the SS Eagle ceramics, Beneath The Waves also features cups and plates from the Scottish Maritime Museum's own national maritime heritage collection, as well as four vessels dating back to the Roman Empire on loan from North Ayrshire Heritage Centre. The SS Eagle launched from the Dumbarton yard of Alexander Denny in July 1857. The 324-tonne steamer was acquired by the McConnel and Laird Line of Glasgow in June 1859 for service as a passenger and cargo vessel. (Image: Scottish Maritime Museum in North Ayrshire) Eva Bukowska, exhibitions and events officer at the Scottish Maritime Museum, said: 'We are really excited to host the first showing of these fascinating ceramics recovered from SS Eagle. 'The vessel also has a significance for the museum as it was built by Alexander Denny, who was the brother of William Denny, whose test tank is now home to our second collection in Dumbarton.'
