On the 14th November we went on an arranged trip to North Wales. No buckets or spades but a great day out. We managed to fit in Ruthin Craft Centre, the Brookhouse Pottery (David and Margaret Frith), Craig Bragdy Design, the Anvil Pottery and a trip to Wendy Lawrence's Studio. Very different and excellent makers; different styles and business models. David Frith and Wendy Lawrence were particularly interesting as they make work for outside in the garden. What did I learn? Well, I was struck by two things. Firstly the sheer amount of resources and back stock that all these businesses needed to carry; even those working to commission needed lots of samples and those who make 'on spec' end up with a lot of stock hanging around looking a little unloved. Secondly how vulnerable they all were to market forces -not just competition and changing fashion but also the financial climate and a changing world. These first images are from the shop and exhibition at Ruthin Craft Centre These next three from the Brookhouse Pottery, two from the Anvil Pottery, two from Wendy Lawrence's garden and the last, another from the Frith's. I did not take any pictures at Craig Bragdy but their website hosts much better ones than I could do. Looking at real pots rather than pictures is a different and much better experience.
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AuthorI am indulging my passion for ceramics by undertaking studies for an MA at UCLAN Archives
August 2021
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