Key books on ceramics by Matthieu Liévois

Books on ceramics play an important role in Créamik’s studio and classrooms. They are invaluable guides for potters seeking to perfect their skills, as well as sources of inspiration and reflection. Throwing, glazes, working with plaster… Books allow you to extend your knowledge and continue your training once you’ve left the studio. 

We asked Matthieu Liévois, a leading glaze specialist, to share his favourite books, those he uses every day to teach and research, and those he advises his students to add to their own libraries. 

Here is his selection and his thoughts on Créamik’s book treasures.

Which books would you recommend to a potter on how to make their own glazes?

The first must-have book is Matthes “Emaux et glaçures céramiques” , commonly known as ‘the Matthes’. It contains 1,000 formulas, each developed by a potter who shares his or her recipe with specific examples. It explains the whole process of fusion, provides a glossary of ceramic terms and, for example, lists the different feldspars and ashes used around the world. It’s a veritable bible for potters. Here at Créamik, we have it in French and German. For around €60, it’s an excellent bedside book.

And to explore high-temperature glazes more specifically?

I recommend “The Complete Guide to High-Fire Glazes” by John Britt. This book specialises in cone 10 glazes (around 1300°C), but several recipes work from 1260°C. Each formula is accompanied by photos of the pieces made, so you can see the final result. The book is in English, and very clear and useful. John Britt has also written a book on lower, mid-range temperatures, but I prefer this one for our courses.

Which book would you recommend to a beginner who wants to understand the basics of glazing?

“Clays and Glazes for the potter” (“Terres et Glaçures”) by Daniel Rhodes is ideal for beginners. The latest English edition was published in 2015, but the French edition can be hard to find because it’s out of print. It’s a treasure. It explains the transition between molecular weight, formula and recipe. There are not many recipes at the end (32 in at least some editions), but the basics he teaches are solid and easy to grasp.

Which book do you systematically use to teach glaze research?

The book “The practice of stoneware glazes” (“Pratique des émaux de grès”) by Daniel de Montmollin is a classic. It introduces the triangle commonly known as the “De Montmollin triangle”, which explores alumina-silica progressions to study the fusibility of glaze raw materials. This book, which is still in print, is also invaluable for learning how to work with wood and plant ash. It is fabulous for in-depth glaze research.

Is there a more technical book on glaze textures?

Yes, “Les glaçures céramiques, Méthodes de recherche” by Marc Uzan is a very comprehensive work. There is no English translation. This book explores alumina-silica progressions from several bases, at different temperatures (cones 8, 9 and 10). It details how to obtain textures such as crackle glazes or opalescent glazes, with explanations on the influence of colouring oxides. It is a powerful tool for those who want to go beyond the basics.

Do you have a recent, comprehensive book to recommend?

“Art et sciences des glaçures céramiques” by Josy Dienot is a monumental 600-page work, based on 30 years of research. It’s self-published and costs €80, but it’s a mine of information. It doesn’t read like a novel: you need to master the table of contents to navigate it effectively. This is the book for serious glaze studies.

What about books dedicated to specific oxides or techniques?

Alain Valtat has written several exceptional books. For example, one on ash glazes, another on alternatives to glazes such as slips, engobes and terra sigillata, and two about copper and iron oxides. These books have many photos and explain how to obtain precise results, such as a copper blue or red. They are accessible to everyone, yet highly technical at the same time.

Is there a reference book for working with plaster?

“Techniques du plâtre” by Roger Waechter, although old, remains a reference for learning how to create moulds. This black and white book explains, using photos and diagrams, how to prepare moulds for casting, turning or sculpting. I still use it regularly after 40 years of practice! 

What about throwing?

John Colbeck‘s “The techniques of throwing” (“Technique du tournage”), although hard to find, is an excellent book on the basics of throwing. It contains lots of photos showing the different stages in creating a piece, as well as explanations of the essential tools. Of course, my videos are still irreplaceable, but this book completes the learning process.

If you had to write a book, what would it be?

If I had to write a book, it would probably be about a complete and modern approach to ceramics, linked to the needs of today’s potters. I would incorporate the techniques that I teach here at Créamik: throwing, glaze research and working with plaster. But above all, I would add a digital dimension to support readers with practical videos, step-by-step tutorials and interactive exercises. It would be a hybrid book, both a manual and a portal to comprehensive online training. I think there is currently a lack of a book that combines this global vision with the advantages of modern resources.

What would you say to conclude this interview? 

Some of the books mentioned here are no longer in print, but they are still circulating on the second-hand market. Sometimes their prices can climb to very high levels, especially for rare and sought-after works such as “Clay and glazes for the potter” or “The techniques of throwing”. If this is the case, I’d recommend getting them as a present for a special event, such as a birthday or anniversary or a milestone in your career as a potter. These books are treasures that will accompany you throughout your practice.

Discover the modern resources Matthieu has already made available to help advance your ceramics practice!