Earth windows

-An evening with potters and pottery

ADIPA & GYAAN ADAB CENTRE collaborated to put together an experience of rediscovery of the heritage and changing style of pottery in India. Renowned potter, Mansimran Singh who learned pottery under the guidance of his father, the man considered ‘father of studio pottery in India’, Gurcharan Singhji conversed with the audience on pottery and his artistic lineage. Mansimran Singh’s wife Mary Singh was also present and shared some interesting anecdotes. Mansimran Singh’s father, Gurcharan Singhji pioneered the Delhi Blue Pottery and received numerous awards and distinctions in recognition of his artistic contributions, like ‘Sahitya Kala Parishad’s Best Artist Award’ and the title of ‘Padmashree.’ Mansimran Singh studied pottery with his father Gurcharan at the Delhi Blue Art Pottery from 1956-1959. He also studied with Bernard Leach and Geoffrey Whiting. In 1960 he joined his father at his pottery. In 1976 Mansimran Singh assisted in establishing the Lalit Kala Akademi’s (National Academy of Art) pottery studios in Delhi. Later he held workshops for the academy in Lucknow.

Mansimran Singh and Mary set up Andretta Pottery and Craft Society in Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh in 1983. Equipped with a production studio, the facility provides three month long courses. The couple shared their experience of running a pottery studio and making functional, glazed earthenware. Some of the Mansimran and Mary’s students who were present for the talk shared their experiences of learning pottery at Andretta.
Acclaimed ceramic artist Ruby Jhunjhunwala and founder of ADIPA, shed light on the status of studio pottery in India today.

The event was held at the ADIPA studio and where there were interesting ceramic art pieces made by ADIPA on display and sale.

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