.........they call it Potfest.
This happens only a few miles from home so this year I decided to go and have a look.
Perhaps The Great Pottery Throw Down on TV has sparked a bigger interest in beautiful hand made pottery than ever before, because there were crowds there and it was only the first day.
Several large marquees with nearly 100 potters and sculptors showing their wares. They've come from all over the UK.
Just a few photos as there were so many people around.
There was one area with a demonstration of Raku - wouldn't have know what this was until the TV programme.
This below reminded me of a ship's figurehead from Tudor times - very clever but I'm not sure I'd want any of these large pottery sculptures in the house
Loved this hare plate, I wouldn't dare have something like this in the house in case it got broken.
There was a competition for potters with their entries all stood on pillars in one area. The theme was "Illustrate a saying" This one was "Plenty More Fish in the Sea"
And this one was "Sitting on the Fence".
I treated myself to a coffee and a lemon cake - very delicious
I didn't want to buy a 'dust collector', jug, mug etc etc and had planned to buy nothing but then I saw these bird feeder saucer-on-a-pole and thought it would be a lovely addition to the garden.
The potter was David Melville from Kent.
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That bird feeder sounds like the perfect “souvenir” without turning into a dust collector, and the coffee and lemon cake sound like the ideal festival break
ReplyDeleteIt was an enjoyable morning out
DeleteThank you for the visit to the ceramics festival. I love your gift to yourself. I think that ceramics have become of great interest and pleasure to people all over the world. Susan
ReplyDeleteI believe they hold these events in several different parts of the country now - seems very popular
DeleteIt looks a fascinating show. The bird feeder is so pretty.
ReplyDeleteI haven't quite worked out where to put it yet but it looks lovely
DeleteWhat a great day out. So many beautiful things there. I really loved that Hare plate too, and your outside bird feeder fits the no dust-collectors bill.
ReplyDeleteSome gorgeous sculptures and so many jugs and vases - I could easily have spent a small fortune!
DeleteA lovely day out. I expect that the Great Pottery Throwdown has increased ceramics popularity, as you commented. Some beautiful items there, but the prices are out of my budget, sadly. I love your little plate though. Carole R.
ReplyDeleteSome are beautiful works of art for several hundreds of £s, I think I would be very worried about them getting broken. At least a painting can hang up out of the way.
DeleteThat sounds like a really good day out, I daren't go to anything like that, I would be so tempted by jugs and bowls. 😀
ReplyDeleteSo many gorgeous jugs - thankfully I stopped that collection a while back!
DeleteI agree about dustcollectors. The only pottery I've bought of late was a poppyhead, which is now on a metal stem and standing next to my Tower Of London poppy . But that flower bird feeder would make a good addition. I love the Tudor lady, but wherever would you put her???
ReplyDeleteThere were so many lovely things, I hope all the makers did well but with so many to choose from they can't possibly all have sold lots of pieces.
DeleteA lovely festival - I expect lots of people have gone home thinking they'll join a pottery class and have a go.
ReplyDeleteI know I'd never have the patience to learn - I'd want to be brilliant straight away!
DeleteHow lovely all the ceramics look. I think your choice was a good one, practical as well as pretty.
ReplyDeleteAlison in Devon x
I need to work out where to put it in the garden but it does look lovely
DeleteSome interesting pieces. I love your flower bird feeder. The Gladstone Pottery Museum which is just down the road from here in the town centre is closing from mid August to October for filming the new series of The Great Pottery Throwdown:)
ReplyDeleteI shall be watching when it's on TV - always amazed at what they can do
DeleteWhat a nice outing for you. So many beautiful pieces! I enjoy the Great Pottery Throwdown too. Amazing talents.
ReplyDeleteA treat to see so many talented people and their work
DeleteThat's a nice choice! No dusting. I expect you'll move it with the seasons, too.
ReplyDeleteI've got an idea to move my other bird feeder and put this alongside
DeleteThat's a lovely souvenir of an interesting day. Self cleaning too, every time it rains?
ReplyDeleteYes, it's got a hole in it to drain. I want to put it somewhere where I can see it from the window
DeleteI like the bird feeder very much. I stopped myself buying dust collectors for myself or others today in the craft tent at our local agricultural show, I'm trying to buy useful presents or consumables for people and started some Christmas present shopping today.
ReplyDeletePenny
I did wonder about buying more bird feeders for presents but decided against
DeleteGood choice! Looks like something I'd buy too.
ReplyDeleteIt looks lovely
DeleteWhat a lovely show to go and see. I love the bird feeder, just perfect for your garden.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
So interesting to see such lovely work
DeleteHow interesting - and those bird sculptures are fabulous - I wonder if they are built on an armature somehow? Your bird feeder is very pretty - do you not have squirrels and chipmunks that eat anything that is accessible like that? And the figure head people might be a bit more company than I would want around the house.
ReplyDeletecheers,
Ceci
We don't have chipmunks in this country and I don't get squirrels in my small garden - thankfully
DeleteWow - there are some really talented people around. I really like that Simon Griffiths display - what wonderful animals and birds.
ReplyDeleteI looked at his website - he has all sorts of birds - all beautiful - and expensive!
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