FOR YOUR INFORMATION
FYI
The Potter’s Wheel
Yellowware, molded spittoon
embossed with “Salt & Mear”
Did you know that the wheel was not invented for transportation? It was created to serve as a potter’s wheel around 3500 BC . . . 300 years before someone figured out how to use wheels for chariots!
The potter’s wheel shown here is known as a “Great Wheel” due to its massive size. There are only 6 remaining great wheels, and this is the largest and in the best condition. It was used in East Liverpool’s Salt & Mear Pottery (1842 - ca. 1852, 1856 - ca. 1860). It is exhibited on the first floor of the Museum of Ceramics.
By the 18th Century, potter’s wheels were no longer turned by the potter’s foot but by young boys who served as apprentices to the master potter. The boy would hand turn the wheel (on right in photo), carry water, mix clay, and other tasks assigned by his instructor.