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CLAY
Local clays are being used for the experiment. Fieldwork
has taken place on sampling and analysing Orkney's boulder clays for
their potting qualities, with the aim of identifying potential sources
of suitable raw material. None of the county's clay deposits appear
to be particularly good for potting, but some are better than others.
From a potter's perspective, clays found on North Ronaldsay, Stronsay,
Shapinsay, Central and East Mainland, the South Isles, and parts of
Westray and Eday are much better than those found in the western part
of the archipelago. Generally, those from the west have far too much
sand and rock rubble in them.
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| So far, two very different clays have been
used, from Stackle Brae on the south coast of Eday and from deposits around
and to the south of Kirkwall. That from Kirkwall and surroundings has
proved very good and easily workable. The Stackle Brae clay, a rich chocolate
brown colour, was found to contain too much sand, but when mixed with
grass or other organic material immediately became plastic, proving very
suitable for potting. Work on identifying suitable clays, including scientific
analysis of samples, is ongoing. |
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