Midlands Purple ware- Mid 14th to 16th century

Ok so this has been on my hitlist ever since I found out it existed: Midlands Purple. I love it. It's plain and utilitarian, but it was made right near my hometown so I was desperate to find a shard for myself.

Mudlarking find: Midlands Purple shard

Mudlarking find: Inside view of large Midlands Purple shard

Mudlarking find: Outside view of large Midlands Purple shard

Mudlarking find: detail of inclusions in Midlands Purple shard

Mudlarking find: detail of inclusions in Midlands Purple shard

Mudlarking find: I know this one is a little blurry, but it gives a nice indication of how the rim was designed so that it could be more easily lifted

Mudlarking find: Another Midlands Purple shard with trace of luscious green glaze

  In the Fourteenth and Fifteenth centuries technological advances meant pottery became increasingly higher fired. Also because of new cooking methods, the types of vessels produced changed, there was a new demand for pipkins, cups and lids, dripping dishes, and cisterns.

  This Midlands Purple ware was produced in Chilvers Coton and Ticknall in Derbyshire. The ware has a characteristic purple hew, but also the colours can vary with tinges of grey, red, orange, brown and salmon pink.

  The wares have a pimply texture which is created by the quartz sand in the clay, and could be unglazed or be dripped with black, brown and yellow-brown glazes. The workmanship is generally quite poor, and there is seldom any signs of decoration, but its still lovely in its own purpley way.

Group of Midlands Purple Ware items. 

Bottom Image: University of Leicester