Hand thrown porcelain figure representing a mill worker by ceramicist Anna Smyth.

The body fo work entitled ‘I worked in the Mill’ was inspired by the current interest in our once great linen industry and by Anna’s own family history, stories and memories of work in local linen mills.

Porcelain, hand thrown, bobbin shaped figures represent mill workers, each wearing decoration which symbolises their relationship to the mill, their work, and each other.

Measurements: 11cm tall, 7cm wide

About the maker: 

“I thrive in the creative process of making, with clay.

Often my work is spontaneous, emotive, triggered by a thought or event, or by an atmosphere in which there is a sensory stimulus.
In clay I find an outlet for expression of these inner responses; another voice with which I can speak, in a visual, three dimensional language.
Weaving between handbuilt and thrown work, I strive to demonstrate a balance of skill, attention to detail and a true passion for my craft.

The current interest in our once great linen industry has led me to produce this body of work entitled ‘I worked in the Mill’, informed by my own family history, stories and memories of work in local linen mills. In this way I acknowledge and celebrate the workers and their achievements. ​Porcelain panels representing the mills remind us of those vast buildings and the countless workers who passed through them daily.”