The Formation of the Second Generation: A Documented Version of the Origin and Early History of the MPRG

John Hurst’s evening classes at Goldsmiths’ and the Post-Medieval Ceramic Research Group were precedents for the MPRG, although the Medieval Pottery Seminar at the University of London was the catalyst and the Study Group for Romano-British Coarse Pottery the model. The Group was founded to aid a new cadre of specialists process large quantities of pottery from urban excavations. Its first task, now complete, was to produce guidelines under government aegis. Its modus operandi was the annual meeting or conference, and later the Bulletin, the newsletter and the co-ordination of regional groups. To ensure succession it is suggested that we consider returning to our academic roots.