Pride of place - STAFFORDSHIRE SLIPWARE

Distinguished by its bold, earthy colours and the use of liquid clay applied in decorative patterns, this rustic English pottery has a long and fascinating history, finds Janet Gleeson

- Janet Gleeson

Bold, free and dynamic, slipware's appeal is multifaceted. It looks as eye-catching in a traditional countryhouse setting, surrounded by provincial furniture, as it does in an ultra-modern interior. And it isn't just confined to British shores - you might find it in a Japanese collector's home, where its calligraphic qualities are much prized; or in the cabinet of an American connoisseur, drawn by its historical associations and decorative charms.

The history of slipware is long, with roots that go back to medieval Europe. By the 17th century, potters around London and elsewhere throughout the country were producing slipware for the local domestic market.

It was mainly the abundance of clay and coal to be found in Staffordshire that gave this region the edge, and helped the makers there to reach a wider audience.

But first things first. What does 'slipware' actually mean? The term has nothing to do with slinky undergarments - it refers to a method of decoration. Slip is a creamy solution of clay and water.

Pieces were usually made from red or buff earthenware, then dipped into white slip, and decoration applied using slips of russet and chocolate clay. Once decorated, they were coated in a thick lead glaze, which turned the white clay yellow when fired.

Most slipware was functional.