Alison Borthwick: A Life in Porcelain

Alison Borthwick studied ceramics and printmaking at Gray's School of Art in Aberdeen from 1978-82. She returned to Glasgow to set up her pottery manufacturing business full time in 1983. In 1986 she built up a wide range of hand painted porcelain giftware, tableware and lighting before moving the workshop and opening the Pottery Shop in the picturesque village of Buchlyvie in 1989.

Buchlyvie Pottery Shop which was featured amongst Scotland on Sunday's 20 Best Small Shops in Scotland 2005 and boasts an impressive appearance in the Hogmanay edition of "The Broons" 2006 is a working pottery amidst the stunning mountains of the Trossachs. Alison herself creates the plaster models and moulds from which the products originate. Each new piece is hand turned on a lathe or wheel and polished until as smooth as marble.

Alison's technical skills with porcelain have also featured in several commissions carried out by conceptual artist and Turner Prize nominee Christine Borland. This includes the work entitled Five Set Conversation Pieces which is held in the Aberdeen Art Gallery collection. Examples of Alison's student work are held in The Robert Gordon University collection and the university library service is very pleased to host an exhibition which creates a wonderful opportunity to view a selection of the work she has produced since she graduated at Gray's.

Alison Borthwick - Blue Grass I

Alison Borthwick - Blue Grass II

Alison Borthwick - Blue Grass III

Alison Borthwick - Poppy I

Alison Borthwick - Poppy II

Alison Borthwick - Poppy III

Alison Borthwick - Sea Wall Plaque I

Alison Borthwick - Sea Wall Plaque II

Alison Borthwick - Sea Wall Plaque III

Alison Borthwick - Vine I

Alison Borthwick - Vine II

Alison Borthwick - Vine III

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