New Techniques From Old & Functional Pottery From New

THE CERAMIC CURATOR'S VIEW - April 2012

This month we at  Bevere Gallery are particularly fortunate to have the Friths - Margaret and David - as two of our featured makers. They have been making pots for fifty years and yet, the well spring of their creativity never seems to dry up or diminish. Here are two potters who are constantly experimenting with new glazes and techniques. In them, we have the perfect alignment of high craft and creativity. Not everyone can work alongside their spouse or partner, however for these two eminent makers they seem to draw inspiration from each other. Long may they continue to produce such beautiful pots - and yes, beautiful is the right adjective.

We are also featuring the work of two other fine makers. The last year has seen John Wheeldon develop his pots and his technical repertoire. The vessels in this show are all bowls but they display subtle differences in colour and pattern. He has returned to using lustre, this time applied to a terra sigillata surface, raku fired and smoked. The combination of gold and smoked polished terra sigillata is irresistible – a rich sensuous surface.


Jenny Southam is new to us but she has already established a following for her ceramic sculptures. This group of pieces shows the rang of her work.
 I particularly like her 'night' groups which are a unique way of showing form and movement. They also provoke a smile - not to be underestimated in these difficult times.

I am also pleased that we have new functional ware from Graham Williamson and Jo Davies.







You can see this work in the cafe which now has a different arrangement of pots - old favourites as well as our new makers.

Stuart Dickens