THE GREGYNOG VASE
This simple black vase is the only one we know of that was
made at Gregynog. When Robert Maynard was invited by
Gwendoline and Margaret Davies to investigate the possibilities of
craft ventures at Gregynog in the early 1920s he tried to make pots,
but realised that the local clay was not suitable. He went on to start a
printing press instead…
Then one day in 2010 Gregynog’s Librarian Mary Oldham
received a parcel, and a letter. The parcel contained this vase. The
letter was from Mr Jeff Hawkins, formerly of Tregynon, now of
Berriew. It read:
“Dear Mary,
My cousin Audrey Lancester would like to donate this vase to
Gregynog’s Museum. It was made at Gregynog, acquired by Gwladys
Williams, our Aunty who worked in the laundry at the Hall. Gwladys
gave the vase as a wedding present to her elder sister Florence
(Audrey’s mother) in 1925.”
As far as we know, no other vase or pot of any sort has survived
from this early attempt to create a craft pottery at Gregynog. We
would love to know if there are any more out there.