The pottery industry was key for Burton-in-Lonsdale on the borders of Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cumbria for nearly three centuries until its demise in 1944. This book tells the story of Richard Bateson, the last potter of Black Burton, a renowned thrower and teacher. It encapsulates the history and traditions of this lost trade; the personalities, the struggles, the humour alongside the hard work.

The book is a grand contribution to the history of Burton, the history of pottery and the story of rural arts in transformation from an industrial to a more artistic endeavour.

"The most comprehensive collection of history, stories, first-hand accounts and photographs we are ever likely to see... social history of a high order; rooted in its context, explored by those who really understand how it was." From the Foreword by Mark McKergow

"(Richard) didn't like Bernard Leach's pots, because all Leach's pots had a wobble and Richard's never did." David Frith, Brookhouse Pottery