Internet Archaeol. 16. Longworth Methodology

1.2 Methodology

The preparatory work for this project included creating a fully indexed archive of finds and paper records of all the Buckley material held in National Museums Liverpool. A database with images provided detailed information on each sgraffito sherd from Brookhill pottery to determine the location of kilns, dates of kiln production, influence of designs and patterns and methods of manufacture. This database formed the basis of the catalogue.

An additional set of data provided information on all clay tobacco pipes found at the Brookhill site and nearby. It incorporated all available research data from James Bentley and David Higgins. By cross-referencing, it was possible to reach conclusions about the dates of the sgraffito production.

A further set of data detailed slipware in production on the site at the same time as the sgraffito ware. This showed that the designs found on the sgraffito pieces were also appearing on slipware made throughout the Brookhill site This information was used to study the range of designs and patterns in use at that time. Other influences on designs and patterns were studied by examining contemporary items such as textiles, furniture and manuscripts.

To understand how the technique of sgraffito decoration reached Britain a thorough literature search was carried out. This highlighted the production methods and the design influences. To place the Buckley industry into a regional context, a study of the present state of knowledge of post-medieval earthenware production in the Merseyside region was carried out.