Punto de interés
Leon Necel’s potter’s wheel
A foot-powered potter’s wheel made in 1936.
Idioma del contenido
Leon Necel’s potter’s wheel stands by the entrance to the exhibition. Its traditional Polish name is toczek. This example was made in 1936 and served Leon for many years. It therefore does not date from his father Franciszek’s working life: Franciszek had died the previous year. The wheel was driven by the potter’s feet, leaving his hands free to shape the clay as it turned. The surviving device presents a particular craftsman’s working tool alongside vessels made by the family.
Before throwing a vessel, the potter prepared a portion of clay suited to its intended size. He placed it on the wheel and formed it with his palms and fingers. The wheel’s rotation and the pressure of his hands were parts of the same operation. Water, a sponge for smoothing and drying the inside, and a wire for cutting the base free were also useful. The old wheel is a historical exhibit. Visitors try throwing at a workshop station under a craftsman’s supervision.
Para niños
A toczek is a potter’s wheel. This one belonged to Leon Necel and was made in 1936. Leon used it for many years. He turned the device with his feet while his hands worked on the clay.
The potter put a prepared lump on the wheel. As it turned, he shaped the clay with his fingers and palms. Water and a sponge helped smooth the vessel. Once the shape was ready, he cut its base free from the wheel with a wire. The old wheel is displayed as a historical object. Visitors can try making a vessel at a workshop station with a craftsman’s help.
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