Monday 22 June 2020


The Curator’s View - June 
Bevere Gallery is open! 

What a pleasure to be able to announce that we can see our gallery visitors in person again. There has been a restructuring of the Gallery to accommodate the Covid - 19 regulations, including the conversion of the cafe area into an Original Prints gallery representing over thirty artists. Incidentally, it is still possible to purchase drinks and cakes to take away.
The Ceramics Gallery now displays work by over seventy makers and the layout includes additional box units, replacing some of the plinths which occupied too much space and limited our commitment to diversity. I am delighted with the outcome as the units frame so many splendid pieces of contemporary ceramics and allow for their individual voice to be expressed. 

During this month, we hope you will come and renew your relationship with the Gallery or visit us for the first time – either way we know that you will enjoy the range and rich diversity of the work on display.
Inevitably, we have had to review the Featured Maker Programme for this year and for the upcoming three months we are delighted to welcome three fine ceramicists.

In July, Sutton Taylor will be showing his latest work. An established and respected maker with considerable decorating skills, we know that his fine pieces will be much admired. For me it is the subtlety and colour combination of his glazing that is particularly attractive and needless to say each pot has considerable presence.

August brings a high summer treat with the work of Akiko Hirai. Undoubtedly Akiko's work exudes her Japanese heritage, however we know from the considerable sales of her work over past years, that it is the bringing together of tradition with the contemporary perspective that is so appealing. Her work is distinctly Hirai and immediately recognisable. It is a joy to have her back at Bevere again.

Sutton and Akiko have shown here before but our featured maker in September will be here for the first time. Grainne Watts lives and works in Co. Tipperary. I first saw her work at Ceramic Art London and was immediately struck by the vivid colouring of her finely crafted vessels and meticulous detailing. Again, we have a maker with such a distinct voice that, once seen,  will always be remembered. Her work will add something special and we are privileged to be showing her exquisite work at Bevere .
Hopefully, this restart of our programme will stimulate your interest and along with the significant number of other makers we have in the Gallery at any one time make your visit enjoyable and worthwhile.