The town of Cumnock has been associated with pottery production for many years. From the late 18th century up until the early 20th century the town’s name was connected with a particular type of pottery made from local clay which was inscribed with sayings and quips written in the ‘Auld Scots tongue’. This ‘motto-ware’ was normally brown clay ware with a cream-coloured panel or ‘slip’ which the potter had inscribed with the motto using a stylus. The ceramics were then finished off by being coated with a translucent, lead glaze, tinted with iron oxide which left the product with a warm amber colour after it was fired.
