Large Salt-Glazed Fish Plate - Toff Milway
This large 38 cm salt-glazed plate by Toff Milway captures the movement and vitality of fish in swirling motion - a motif that runs throughout his work. Hand-thrown and salt-glazed stoneware, it is richly decorated with two carved and slip-trailed fish, their scales and fins textured with rhythmic precision.
The border alternates between areas of deep brown glaze and cross-hatched sgraffito, adding balance and depth. The fish are rendered in natural tones of charcoal, blue and ochre, brought to life by the kiln’s flame and salt vapour, which lend each plate a distinct and unpredictable finish. A small hole on the reverse allows for wall hanging, revealing it as both a functional object and a piece of art.
Toff’s plates celebrate the living energy of the materials he works with - earth, water, salt and fire - and embody his lifelong belief that pottery should be both useful and beautiful, shaped by the hand and perfected by the kiln.
Key Details
- Maker: Toff Milway
- Material: Salt-glazed stoneware
- Design: Carved and slip-trailed fish motif
- Decoration: Sgraffito and roulette texturing on border
- Colour palette: Ochre, blue, and charcoal on natural clay
- Dimensions: Ø 380 mm (approx.)
- Feature: Hole on reverse for wall hanging
- Made in: Conderton, Gloucestershire, UK
- Each piece is handmade and unique
