'Silicosis' - Bob Wilson

A song in Potteries dialect written by Bob Wilson in 1959.
This version was recorded in 1978 (or thereabouts) for inclusion in the Long playing record - "A Souvenir from Stoke' produced by Ray Johnson.
Bob Wilson: vocals and guitar, Jeff Parton : Penny whistle, and
Peter Young: Bass.
"Silica dust was the biggest threat to pottery worker's health. Particles too small to be seen with the naked eye which can be breathed deeply into the lungs causing silicosis. Known as Potter's Rot. Silica was used in glaze, and to bed ware in saggars during the biscuit firing to separate items and help to prevent warping. Earthenware and stoneware pottery bodies have a high free silica content, so whenever clay is dry silica dust is released. Making a pot using wet clay is safe, but the clay scraps, spills on the floor, and clay drying on overall can cause dust. The pot has to be allowed to dry before firing, and cast pieces are fettled - have the clay seams scraped off - which creates dust. After pottery is biscuit fired it is brushed (scoured) to remove loose particles which is particularly dangerous. In the twentieth century silicosis has been much reduced by good working practises.

[@mrbillyhill1]

Hi Bob, just seen this... great! Penny whistle too!

[@Merrymn]

lovely stuff, this. it's orate with me, duck.

[@seanstreit6192]

I love your 1965 version on the Keele Rag EP, could you upload that version?