Sings Rihanna in the chorus of her song ‘Umbrella’. A song that made her world-famous, and drove up the chic factor of the utilitarian umbrella. Ann Mortimer of King Township is almost world-famous (she’s at least well
known in China) but her umbrellas wouldn’t do the trick in a heavy rain storm.

Mortimer’s porcelain umbrellas, ranging in size from 44 to 56 cm, are however, world-class. On display at the Aurora Cultural Centre, these dazzling beauties will make a unique addition to any porcelain collection,
or stand out on their own as a conversation piece.

“My first of eight trips to China was in 1975. It was there that I developed a fascination with umbrellas. I went on a tour of a factory that made paper umbrellas, you know the kind you would hang on your walls. I walked into a large room full of finished umbrellas and it was an explosion of pure colour and pattern unlike anything I’d ever seen before. I guess it made a lasting
impression on me and I toyed with the idea of creating umbrellas myself,” Mortimer explains.

Mortimer researched ‘umbrella art’ and discovered that no one was producing them in porcelain, “except for the tiny ones that they use to adorn figurines.”

Years later, Mortimer made a return trip to China. She had been selected as one of 10 Canadian artists to participate in a program to create ceramic art that would remain on display in a Canadian museum in Fuping
(one of 18 such museums dedicated to ceramics in China).

“I brought a working mould as an example to China. I met with a mould maker there who worked in a small facility, and signed an exclusive contract with him to create my umbrellas. I knew what I wanted, and was
involved in every step of the process, but I needed help with some of the physical aspects of creating my art. It was this union with the Chinese craftsmen that made it possible to bring my vision to life,” says Mortimer.

Although her initial porcelain prototypes were left behind, Mortimer knew that she would return to China once again, to work with the people she had “grown to love and admire for their art, and the way they treated
their artists” once again.

In 2008 Mortimer did return, this time travelling to Jingdezhen, known as the ‘blue and white capital of the world’.

“Everything is blue and white, even the stop lights,” confirms Mortimer.

There, Mortimer created the 42 porcelain umbrellas that are on display currently at the Aurora Cultural Centre.

“I created the pieces in 2008, and they didn’t arrive in Canada until 2009,” explains Mortimer. “They were so carefully packaged. The umbrellas travelled from Jingdezhen to Shanghai, then to Vancouver and finally
arriving in Toronto. They came individually boxed in four large crates. There wasn’t a single loss, each one was intact. That is the way the Chinese do things. With care.”

Although born from a single mould, each umbrella is unique.

“They have all been finished differently,” Mortimer explains. “After being fired in the kiln, underglaze transfers were applied to each umbrella in a unique pattern. Sometimes an overglaze enamel was also used, in the form of gold, platinum or red enamel to change the look again.”

Also on display at the Cultural Centre are five additional umbrellas Mortimer created here in Canada using a Earthenware technique that uses a lower kiln firing point.

The show also features traditional garments, created by Chinese locals, that Mortimer has collected on her travels. They have been set up on display in the ‘Red Room’ where people can enjoy them while listening to
Chinese music.

“There is a Power Point presentation running the whole time that shows slides of the craftsmen, and the various aspects of creating the umbrellas, as well as some tourist pictures as well,” says Mortimer. “I have also taken information from the presentation and posted statements on the walls throughout the exhibit. With the exception of opening night, which was quite busy, most people take the time to stop and read each statement.
They seem to really enjoy learning about the creative process.”

In 21 years Ann Mortimer has made eight trips to China. And much like before, she knows that she’ll go back one day again soon. However, Mortimer is less sure about whether or not she’ll make any more porcelain umbrellas, adding “this could be my final collection.”

Ann Mortimer’s porcelain umbrella collection is for sale. Depending on the
size, the umbrellas range in price from $550 to $3,000.

“I want to extend my deepest appreciation to all of the craftsman in China with whom I’ve had the pleasure of working with,” concludes Mortimer.

To find out more about Ann Mor timer please visit her website at www.annmortimerceramics.com