Telling Tales With Technology

ANNA HALE

Moira Vincentelli introduced this session and described one of the ways in which the Potters In Wales tapes are being used in the multimedia computer book being prepared in relation to the ceramic collection and archive in Aberystwyth. Anna Hale went on to examine the methodology of the interviews with potters in Wales which was based on the model of the life story where the interviews will in general follow a chronological development from early childhood through the working life including economic, political, environmental and educational background but with a particular focus on the ceramic practice. The choice of subjects is wide and includes both young and old, well known ceramicists, lesser known local potters and commercial firms. Interviews are between two to six hours based on one or two visits. The last and final part of the interview always discussed the potter’s future aspirations, and some makers in the audience thought this should be the main concern of the interview. It was pointed out that the intention of the interviews is that they would be a potential resource for different kinds of historical analysis.