The Great British Throw Down is the latest
programme to introduce competition into the business of making. The programme
brings together the application of basic pottery skills with brief and
pertinent technical contributions from specialists. Add to this the demands of
time-limited projects and only the skilled and naturally talented will emerge
in the final episode providing much to entertain on the journey.
From the perspective of a contemporary ceramics gallery, it clearly
demonstrates the skills required to make even the most simple of bowls. The
quality of the studio ceramics we show at Bevere Gallery demonstrates just how
well honed the professional makers' skills are and matched with considerable
creativity. I am sure that the winner of the series will need to
display both.
IT should
stimulate the ceramic enthusiast
and the curiosity of the uninitiated. That must be good for everyone.
