Saddle Stilt

Date1750-1775

MediumWhite salt-glazed stoneware

DimensionsOverall: 13/16 x 1 7/16in.

Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Edgard Moreno

Object number2011-62

DescriptionExtruded saddle stilt shaped like an inverted "Y" and feature knife-cut scoops resulting in two notched feet on the upper edge and four notched feet on the lower edge of each stilt.Label TextMuch of the kiln furniture found at Auld Kirk and Bankfoot is of the type used by Staffordshire potters, that is, crude placing-cones (bobs) and crown-shaped ring stilts. A type of kiln stilt apparently unique to this area of Scotland (and unknown in Staffordshire) was also found in considerable numbers. In cross section, these extruded saddle stilts are shaped like an inverted "Y" and feature knife-cut scoops resulting in two notched feet on the upper edge and four notched feet on the lower edge of each stilt. The stilts were used as separators between plates stacked upside down, one upon another, to maximize the number of pieces that could be fired in the kiln. Numerous stilts supported each plate, with every stilt leaving a distinctive pattern of four closely spaced scars on the back of one plate and two similar scars on the face of the next in the stack.ProvenanceMr. and Mrs. Edgard Moreno
George Haggarty, Edinburgh, Scotland
Site of the Auld Kirk and Bankfoot Potteries, Prestonpans, Scotland