Michael Cardew: Vume (Volta, Ghana)

In 1945 Michael started his own pottery at Vume on the Volta River. Of this period Cardew has said that 'The fundamental idea of that work was to bring to West Africa a new industry, capable of developing as a modern West African art-form side by side with the traditional potters' craft already existing there. The residents of Vume had made the village a centre for pottery production and Cardew's intention was to make this local household craft a paying proposition. His Vume pots are particularly noteworthy for their dramatic dark green glaze, glowing with vibrant red pigment. A number of these works are in the British Council collection. Cardew left Ghana for Nigeria in 1950 where he became Senior Pottery Officer in the Ministry of Trade. He was awarded the MBE in 1964 and returned to Wenford Bridge the following year