Mak'Merry Bowl

This bowl was made by women from the Scottish Women's Rural Institute in the town of MacMerry, East Lothian. Catherine Blair was the driving force behind the WRI in Scotland as she thought women in rural communities were relatively isolated and needed opportunities to socialise. She also believed that making pottery was a way for women to have independence. It meant they had a way of expressing themselves artistically, as well as making money in a rural economy. Catherine had previously been an active Suffragist, campaigning for 'Votes for Women' so had a history of promoting female independence and equality. Mak'Merry pottery became famous around the world and is now highly collectable. This piece reminds us that one person can change the world around them by having an inspirational idea and having the courage to see it through!