Wali Hawes 1952 - 2014
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Wali Hawes Potter's Diary

Save the Khurja Kilns

It has come to my notice that a group of kilns in Khurja, Uttar Pradesh,
India are being demolished. These kilns form an important part of the
heritage of Khurja and as an extension part of the heritage of pottery in
India. It is a terrible to know of the destruction of what are a priceless
testimony to the history of Khurja.These kilns were introduced to Khurja in
the 50`s by a Japanese by the name of Aizu Kato from Seto. This created a
veritable revolution in the industry as can be found in the growth figures
covering the industry during this period. Aizu Kato worked in Khurja for
several years and was funded by The Colombo Plan. In keeping with Government
Plans for the area. I attach information below.

NINTH PLAN WORKING GROUP STRESSES ON EMPLOYMENT IN HANDICRAFTS SECTOR
The Working Group on Handicrafts for the 9th Plan has recommended that the
following areas be given a major thrust:
Creation of increased employment opportunities to achieve higher standard of
living of craftspersons individually and collectively in rural and urban
craft clusters through efficient production practices, professional
management and enlarged domestic as well as overseas marketing network .
Preservation of cultural heritage through research and documentation,
region/craft specific strategies and protection of crafts facing extinction.

With regard to the "preservation of cultural heritage" I think the plans to
demolish the kilns in Khurja is a terrible mistake and all attempts should
be made to preserve what is a treasure of Industrial Archeology and a Legacy
for the future. There are many examples where preservation has lead to a
development of the area in cultural and economic terms. The Gladstone
Pottery in Stoke (UK) and The Sanponmichi in Tokoname (Japan) are two
glowing example.

Something needs to be done. Unfortunately I don`t have e-mail addresses of
the people who may have the power to put a stop to this. Only their snail
mail. Sorry about this. If there is anything you can do PLEASE DO IT NOW!
Best wishes
Wali Hawes
POTTERS OF THE WORLD IGNITE!!!
www.walihawes.com


Pottery Development Office
industrial area ,G.T.road
Khurja U.P India
91-5738-242054

DM Bulandsharhr
DM colony road
Bulandsharhr U.P.
India

Director of Industries
Industry office
Kanpur U.P.
India


23/09/2005

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