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Cont…. With summer just around the corner, you'll be heading out to the antique malls and outdoor shows. Since you'll be seeing a wide variety of Ecanada ware, here's some background and a few important buying tips. The E in Ecanada is for George Emery (1881-1959). Born in Newcastle-under-Lyme in Staffordshire, England, at the age of 12 he began a 14-year apprenticeship at Wedgwood. Immigrating to Canada with his family in 1912, Emery settled in Hamilton where he worked for the Canadian Porcelain Company. Beginning in 1926 he made Wedgwood-style pottery in the basement of his home, firing the pieces in the nearby kilns of the Canadian Porcelain Company. By 1944 he set up his own factory, employing a workforce that reached a maximum of 26. Although a wide range of items was produced, the most commonly seen today are vases, candlesticks, bowls, ashtrays, lamps and teaware. Medium blue was the most popular colour, followed by pink, pale green and white. Although other colours were used, their production was limited. The applied relief decoration was white. But if the ware itself was white, a contrasting colour was usually used. Decorative motifs ranged from classical to naturalistic. Although plant designs were most popular (fruiting grape vines, various flowers and acanthus leaves), swans, geese and songbirds also appeared. Figures of explorers, settlers, indigenous people, medieval knights and deco-style nudes were also used, but are the most rare. Ecanada Art Pottery became very popular and was widely available through many department and jewellery stores, including Woolworths, Simpsons, Eatons and Birks. But it closed in 1952 as consumer tastes were shifting to the imported shapes and designs of the Bauhaus and Scandinavian Modern. Today, collector interest in Ecanada is growing because of its affordable price, easy availability, and range of colours, shapes and decorative motifs. This ware is also appreciated because it's Canadian. It's a reminder of our British heritage and a reflection of our growing awareness of national identity. Be choosy when buying Ecanada. There's lots of it around. Avoid pieces that are chipped, cracked or stained. Make sure they don't wobble on the table. Carefully inspect the applied decoration for missing bits. Buy the less common colours, shapes and patterns. Although they're a little more expensive now, they'll soon increase in price beyond the others. For more information, go to www.ecanadaartpottery.com. |