Titian Studio - The Ceramic Art of Cameron Brown

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

The Final Cover.

I'm feeling relieved that the manuscript of 250 pages including five pages index has been edited, finalised and ticked off. There are five sections to my book covering, History, Product Stories, Galleries, Family/Friends/Staff and Commercial information. My goal has always been to produce a book that delves into Sherwood Pottery and Titian Studio to expose the talent and artistry of Cameron and Dorothy Brown. 

Dick Scott's Fire on the Clay

As many of you know it's been a long road. Would I do it again? Probably not, but I'm glad I have. It's an important 'fragment' of New Zealand's history which deserved to be fully recorded. Titian Studio and Brown family were originally highlighted in three books. The earliest book was written by Dick Scott. Fire on the Clay - The Pakeha comes to West Auckland. It has background information and some photographs. The other two were by Gail Lambert (nee Henry), New Zealand Pottery - Commercial & Collectable which included a chapter and many photographs of Titian Studio pieces in her books. All three books are out of print, but you can sometimes come across a second-hand edition at a good price.

Pottery in New Zealand - Commercial & Collectable - Gail Lambert (nee Henry)

Pottery in New Zealand - Commercial & Collectable - Gail Henry

One of the biggest decisions I had to make was choosing a new photographer. The photos I had been supplied had lost everything that made Titian Studio pieces so beautiful. The colour had been washed out, the brightnesst and shine had been lost. I knew that since I wasn't happy with them, how could I ask collectors to be happy with a book of substandard photoraphs. It was difficult enough thinking about having all my pieces re-photographed. But asking to borrow everyone else's treasures again was almost overwhelming. But as I'd come so far with my manuscript I had to do it. Dad told me I had 'stickability'. Below are two proofs of pieces in the Ashtray section under Galleries in my book. 

Deer Ashtray

Fantail Ashtray - Judith Watson

It was very fortunate that all the collector's I'd approached the first time were still eager to have their pieces included in my book. They generously trusted me their pieces again. I can't thank them enough as without their pieces it would not have been as extensive as it is.

 

SV.201 Blue Wedgwood Vase - Sharon Young

Three footed vase - Christopher Barron

 

This time I couldn't have been happier with the images. John and Melody Anderson of Wayfarer Photography, in Oratia, are true professionals who care not only about the finished photographs but took outstanding care handling each and every piece. I'm so grateful to them for making this part of the journey easier. A small number of collector's paid for all their pieces to be photographed. This took some of the monetary burden of independently publishing off my shoulders. 

  

Maui Sandwich Platter

Hand-painted Mountain Daisy Platter

 After having had 600 Titian Studio pieces re-photographed it was BIG decision time in was time to start working through the manuscript with the editor Brian O'Flaherty and graphic designer Julie McDermid, both of PressGang and Renee Lang of Renaissance Publishing. Thanks to them both I made the right decisions for my book which included book size, page weight and finish, photo placement, the back cover blurb and if I wanted an index. Then it came down to the title of the book and the front and back covers. Did I prefer the matte, satin, semi-gloss or high gloss? AND which image of 500 photographs did I want on the front and back covers? There were a few ideas, including the Maori Wahine character jug, a lamp, a crackle lustre vase. I settled on an outstanding piece that identified as everything that Titian Studio design was known for - the Swoose wall vase. I choose the pansy wall vase as a memory from my Nana's flower garden. Below is another design that was considered.

A sample cover design.

My 350 books have arrived with over eighty books already pre-sold to collectors. I wonder if the early-bird buyers realise that their faith in me to supply a book that was beyond their expectations was a huge driver for me to keep going and make these big decisions. 

Louise sitting on a pallet of 350 Titian Studio books 

I've organised a Book Launch for the 7th December 2024 at the Waitakere Domain Hall on Bethells Road in Waitakere. It's right next door to where Sherwood Pottery/Titian Studio began. It starts at 1pm and I'll be chatting at 1.30pm. Come and meet Cam and Bev Brown, Val Monk and other collectors as passionate as me. Feel free to bring a plate to share.

 

Book Launch Invitation - 7th December 2024

LATE NEWS: Article in the Devonport Flagstaff here. Pages 18-19.

Happy days,

Louise de Varga

Would you like to buy a copy of my book, Titian Studio - The Ceramic Art of Cameron Brown ?

Please email me at devargafamily@outlook.com. They are $165.00 including standard delivery*. You are welcome to pay in advance and pick up your book at the launch. Sales are available on the day launch. Cash or bank transfer only. Sorry, no eftpos facility. Happy to post out after the 7th December.

*Please add $5.70 for Rural Delivery.