The Yorkshire Tea Ceremony: W. A. Ismay and his collection of British studio pottery.

This article focuses on a biography of W. A. ("Bill") Ismay, a prolific collector of studio pottery, written by Helen Walsh. Drawing on extensive archival research, oral histories, and detailed cataloguing of Ismay's collection, the biography presents a nuanced portrait of Ismay as a complex individual shaped by his social context and ethical convictions. It highlights his significant role in the studio pottery movement through sustained relationships with potters and his democratic collecting approach, which emphasized both emerging and established artists. The book accompanies an exhibition at York Art Gallery’s Centre of Ceramic Art (CoCA) and an online exhibit, contributing to the broader study and appreciation of studio ceramics.