Clay wall

With the recent good weather we have at last been able to sit in the garden and enjoy the sun. Having a cup of coffee in the garden or lunch is a simple thing but such a pleasure.
Here is a glimpse of my shelves! They are starting to fill up now and I had to get a biscuit firing in last night to make some room.More decorating to do today and then tomorrow I will be back to throwing.

Mark and I had a very enjoyable day out in London on Sunday. We went to the market in Brick Lane for lunch. It was a beautiful warm sunny day and everywhere was buzzing with people. There is an exotic array of food stalls in the market all very colourful and enticing. After ferreting around some of the market stalls we explored the little shops down Cheshire Street. We then walked on to see Hannah at Ceramics in the City.
Clay is one of the most wonderful materials. It's great to handle and it's plastic qualities make it a wonderful medium to use. I think I played with mud pies quite a bit as a child.
I find almost everything made out of clay fascinating.
I came across this video of Andy Galsworthy building a clay wall the other day. I so wanted to get my hands on that clay and join in!!
See if you can find it here www.artisancam.org.uk/pages/artists/andy/timelapse.php?mnbtn=2&icn=1

Children's work

I decided that I would not continue the children's class this term so these are a few of the remaining things the children made. They were very disappointed as they have really enjoyed the classes but I need more space for my own work. Also it will mean that I don't have quite as many commitments.
When we were out and about in Reigate on Saturday we noticed signs for Heritage week-end and various buildings that are not generally open to the public were open. One of them was the oldest public lending library in the country having been opened in 1701. Another was the Natural HIstory Club which had a display of the remnants of medieval pots that had been excavated locally. Even in their broken and fragmented state they were very strong and captivating. I would very much have liked to actually handle them. I particularly like the green glaze and have wanted for some time to develope a green glaze. I think it's time for some more glaze testing!

In search of Medieval pots.

I am still at home with the boys rather than potting. Today I decided to take the boys to London in search of medieval pots . But where have all the medieval pots gone? The V and A have closed the fourth floor ceramics department and are also redoing their medieval galleries. The British Museum have closed all their medieval galleries whilst creating a whole new set of medieval galleries. I found a few medieval pots at the Museum of London but was told I could only take photos if I didn't use flash. The pots were wonderful even though they don't have many on display.
We went to China Town for lunch before I trecked two boys and a husband across to the Craft Potters Shop. I picked up a copy of Ceramic Review for September/November and found it had an article by Hannah entitled A World of Opportunity. I was tempted to scan it into the computer and put it in here but I am sure Hannah will do that. Hopefully will find my way back to the pottery next week.

Kitchen dressers.

This post is really a special for Hannah. Sorry if it's becoming a bit Homes and Gardens!
The dresser above is in my neighbour's house. Made by Allan who is now totally indispensable. This one has a base cupboard and a different top. I kept my top simple as mine is really for getting in and out of the van. My friend has lots of my very old pots from when I started back when all the children were safely in school full time.

More bowls

This is the large bowl I played about with when the rim got dented! I enjoyed playing around with the slips. The green colour has only come through quite faintly whereas the turquoise and yellows are stronger. I will definately try working with this again with some slightly different colours.


These bowls were all taken out of the kiln this morning. They are nearly 8 inches across. The sun was so strong that it was difficult to get a clear picture. These were enjoyable to make so I may well make some more. I'm off on a youth camp ( just as cook and bottle washer you understand) on Saturday so I am switching my attention to that for a couple of weeks!!
I am already missing potting but with three boys I need to do some 'mum' type of activities.

West Wales Break

Not getting any pottery done this week. I went to West Wales for the week-end. It is a beautiful part of the country. Above is a picture of St. Anthony's shrine. The hedgerows were full of cowparsley which I think will look good on some large jugs.
I've brought my parents back for the week to give them a break.
Below are some pictures of Simon Griffith's stand at Aylesford.I liked the way he had captured the character and feel of the birds. I love the owls- great surfaces as well.

Imagine Gallery

I've got some work in an exhibition at Imagine Gallery for the next couple of weeks. You can just see one of my bowls in the top right hand corner with some pots by Maureen Minchin and a jug by Amanda Popham. I haven't seen it myself but I think it should be good as John's gallery is a real treat.