Catherine Bertola

Commission for National Museum of Wales, Cardiff as part of the Artist-Object Project, 2009 A temporary collection of pottery and ceramics owned by people from Brecknockshire. Members of the public were invited to loan their favourite item of pottery, be it a teacup and saucer, a mug, a plate or ornament, to create a new collection and paint a contemporary portrait of Brecknockshire through the pottery that people cherish and use on a daily basis. A book has been produced to accompany the display, providing information on each of the objects in the collection, that was gathered through conversations with and notes sent by the owners. Rather than simply providing factual information about each piece, it offers a more personal and anecdotal insight into why people have collected and treasure their objects. The project brings together the past and present by providing an insight into the role of pottery in our lives today alongside historic collections, demonstrating its ongoing significance as part of our personal and cultural heritage.