paul the potter

Berlin Project

2012-01-29T17:11:00.000Z

First of all Please accept my apologies for not blogging for a week

It's been a crazily busy week at Barrington Pottery,

with some exciting new stuff happening.

The new web site is proving a hit.

We have gained an order from Berlin

for some small sauce pots, 70 in total along

with 30 Ramekin dishes.

These pots are tiny I'm using about 6oz of clay for each one.

I'm having to use just my fingers to throw them.

These must be the smallest pots I've ever made, but I really

got into the swing of it and made 100 in the end.

While I was trialing them I cut one in half to check the thickness.

I've also made all my pots for another order.

I seem to have Pancheons all over the place

This was a space saving device while they wait to be turned.

and this one on order has an Oak Leaf decoration.

I've also been trying to do more experiments this year

This tile has four coloured slips on black slip.

This was the biscuit fired tile

I dipped the tile in two glazes

the one on the left is my usual glaze for black slip

and the one on the right will not be used again.

But at least I know.

A Blog

2012-01-23T18:45:00.000Z

Some of these Pictures have been on Facebook over the past few days

Here on a shelf in our sitting room are two new pots

The Branhams jug I picked up on Saturday

in Lyme Regis for £5.00

These two Harvest jugs are a break from the orders I'm working on

I find it a comforting thing to make other things as well as orders

at the same time.

I made some new mugs last week and I thought they were

too thin, so I cut one in half to check,

Looked OK to me!

A Slipped Harvest Jug prior to decorating.

In January & February I've decided to take

Saturday's & Sundays off.

To spend a bit more time with Marion.

This was Sundays walk.

Looking down on the workshop

which we then spent 4 hours working in on Sunday

Oh Well

at least we were together.

Miserable Monday

2012-01-16T18:22:00.000Z

Today is supposed to be the most depressing day of the year

and so it felt when we both woke up this morning.

To add to the feeling of woe

The Pajero broke down again yesterday.

We are hoping to keep it going just one more year, but it will

be 20 years old in the summer.

So On Miserable Monday caddy and I walked to work.

Very cold and very frosty

But the sun was coming up.

and it looked great.

The sun was rising behind the workshop

The sky was very clear

a very cold workshop

it was only 3oc.

It took a long time to get it up to a workable temperature

I put the raku kiln on without the lid which helped.

The workshop was cold because I had gone to see Doug Fitch

on Friday and came back with this Fantastic dish

Thanks Doug for a great time as usual.

I love the orange coloured slip which is made from Doug's local clay.

so at the end of today

I opened a bag of Local clay from Donyatt

that a customer had given me.

and I'm going to do some trials

to see what colour this one comes out as.

Fantastic new customers

2012-01-13T18:44:00.000Z

On My last blog post I mentioned a web site sale that turned out to

be more than I expected.

I had an order for a large green Pancheon from

the lady who owns the THYME at Southrop Manor Cookery school.

http://www.thymeatsouthrop.co.uk/food-school

Here is the link to the web site.

We delivered the Pancheon ourselves last Saturday

and we met Caryn Hibbert the owner

she gave us a guided tour of the cookery school

and the rest of the development.

It's Stunning

No expense has been spared to create the perfect cookery school.

On Thursday Caryn and Head Chef Daryll

Came to the workshop to talk about me making them

some Pancheons for use in the school

and for sale in their shop.

We have come up with some design ideas that will make these

unique to Southrop.

More pics as the products develop.

Back in the workshop it's almost wassail time January 17th

so I've been busy making my wassail cups.

Handles Pulled and drying

Here you can see the handles on and the clay bits for the sprigs

and also my PJ stamp, Barrington stamp and the two

sprig stamps.

and here are the finished wassail cups.

Here is a pic of the workshop.

as you can see I'm making some more pie dishes

to replace stock.

Because I had an order for 20 pie dishes from a pub in London

on Wednesday that I had in stock.

So if your in the

Castle in the Village in Walthamstow

Tonight order a Pie and you'll get it served up

in one of my pie dishes.

Great start to 2012 just keeps getting better.

2012-01-10T19:41:00.000Z

I said in my last Blog that I felt 2012

was going to be a good year for us, I could feel it in my water.

And so it is proving, and it's only the 10th January.

Internet sales at the start of the year have been very encouraging

with one particular sale promising to be far better than expected.

But more on that later in the week

after the customer has visited the workshop on Thursday.

Having applied for a stand at Earth & Fire 2012 at Rufford Abbey

last year, back in December I was informed

that I had been placed on the reserve list for 2012.

This June is my 50th Birthday

and we have decided to have a party originally it was going to be

on the 24th June, but that is the date of the Rufford show

so we decided to have it on the 16th June

just in case I got a stall, we booked the pub

and we have booked the David Bowie tribute act that is just brilliant,

we did all that yesterday.

Today I had a phone call from the show organisers to say that someone had,

had to pull out of the show and would I like a stand.

Would I like a stand ?

are my arms covered in clay ?

the answer is always going to be Yes!

http://www3.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/enjoying/culture/arts/earth-and-fire/

So we'll see you in Rufford.

let me know if your able to pop along.

I'm going to start putting pots aside for the show

so I can make sure we make a good impression.

Redecorated showroom for 2012

2012-01-06T12:12:00.000Z

A Happy New Year

to all who follow this blog.

I was supposed to taking a two week break

from Christmas eve, but after a week

I was itching to get back.

We started news years day by coming into the showroom

and getting on with the business of redecorating.

If you've followed this blog for some time you will remember that

two years ago I built these two Dresser units from Scaffold planks

They have been great, but I think they look a bit grubby now.

So I added some new backs to them and Marion

Painted them with a white wash.

Much better I'm sure you will agree.

I've also painted the walls a slightly warmer colour

This wall is Farrow & Ball Farrows Cream watered down

painted on then scrubbed with a scouring pad.

You may have noticed we have taken out the top shelf in both units

and then added some lights.

This is the finished effect.

and here with some pots on.

So it's a new start to the year with a new look

My hope is that it has raised the level of the showroom

and here is the overall effect.

A new showroom now all I have to do is make some pots

to fill it.

But That will start next week.

Tiz The Season to be Jolly

2011-12-22T20:32:00.000Z

I was looking through my pictures

to put together a blog about the best pots of 2011

But I noticed just how many pictures there

were of us in some kind of pub or event this year.

So as One Door opens

I decided to walk through it and show you these instead

If you have seen the new video on the web site

http://www.barringtonpottery.com/

You may recognise some of these faces and partners in crime.

above Pat & Ian

Below

Wendy & Martin

This one includes Young Guy

We Even met Elvis this Year.

Ian in another Pub

Me with Daughter Laura in the Bar

at The National Theatre.

another pub in London this time

Doug Fitch

with the Love Daddies Playing at a Pub in Devon

Happy chap

In the Duke of York, Shepton Beauchamp.

and some times when a pub is not at hand

we improvise.

and some times we improvise in style

and some times we don't

and this is in the Local

some times it's such a struggle to walk the 120 yards to the pub

and even harder to walk the 300yds back home.

David Bowie in the Duke of York

This chap was Brilliant.

Now that's what you call a Pub.

We even had some entertainment in Bristol

I don't remember what Marion was drinking but

look what it did to her hand.

and some times we had to sneak out quietly

But at the end of the day

We Just wanted to say that we have had a Fantastic year

and

We wish all of our Blog Followers & Customers

Very Happy Christmas

and a prosperous New Year.

New Video on the web site

2011-12-21T17:47:00.000Z

Hi Just a Quick Post to let you know we have just added a short video to the home page of the web site

Thanks to our good friends and Neighbours Pat & Ian, Wendy & Martin for being sports and coming in and having a taster session. It didn't last as long as the session in the pub afterwards.

any way have a look at let us know what you think.

Also a Big Thank You to Marion's

Son Nathan for his patience in filming me all day.

http://barringtonpottery.com/index.php?route=common/home

Another post tomorrow I think.

with a bit of a look back over the past year.

Pictures you should have seen, and a mug you don't want to see.

2011-12-13T20:45:00.000Z

OK I have to hold my hand up

and say I have been a tad lax on the blog recently.

I've finished all of my Christmas orders today

now it's all down to the kiln gods to make sure

both glaze firings go without a hitch.

So Feeling good

here are some pics you should have seen.

Below is Nathan, Marion's son

who came down and spent a whole day filming with me

back in November.

we did a promo for the web site

and my bit of the filming for the film idea

that we did with Doug Fitch last year.

And I can't believe I haven't put these two sun set pictures up

that I took in November.

The top one looks like the sun is to close for comfort.

These two pictures of this mug still make me want to scream.

Can I make one just like this

the customer said !!!!

"Why would I want to?"

I said.

Can you believe someone came into my workshop

expecting me to make one just the same as this one.

I told him it was as far away from what I make as can possibly be

he said it has sentimental value.

I'm glad of that

because it's worth bugger all in it's current state.

He rang me the next day

and asked if I would make my version of it !

On a lighter note

I went out looking for some leaves to put on a pot today

and found this Deer foot print right outside my workshop door.

it must have sneaked past when I was busy.

Or is it Reindeer?

I have been a very good boy this year Santa !

Bowl Fest

2011-12-09T10:37:00.000Z

It's not all plain sailing here at Barrington Pottery

I am having some issues that are all of my own doing

which makes them all that more frustrating.

This is a trial for a bowl that will eventually be made to fit in the font

at St Mary's church Barrington.

This one is 17" wide, but the font is 22" wide.

It has cracked in the base and around the foot rim.

and the slip has peeled off the rim.

I left it to late before applying the slip

and the pot rim was to dry. That's all down to me, and it's something

I knew at the time.

This bowl below was also to dry to slip the way it was ordered

so I just did some Buckley style slip trailing and saved the dish.

This was supposed to be a live simply bowl, also ordered

but once again this had dried to much to apply the green slip to the rim.

So I gave it a simple finger swipe in wet slip.

This was an earlier bowl with a design I call horizon.

and if I'm having a bowl fest

I might as well chuck in a picture of this

black bowl.

None of these were what they were supposed to be

so I'm working on the orders yet again.

cutting it fine I know but I seem to work better under pressure.

( did I really just say that )

I'm a liar !

I hate pressure.

Dunster Castle Candlelight Day Two.

2011-12-04T19:10:00.001Z

Day two at Dunster Castle started of at a much

more sedate pace.

The stand was all set up apart from a few minor changes

one of which was the introduction of a floodlight

at the front of the stand.

We were able to use a table from the castle that helped to set off the pots

in this fantastic location.

I remembered to take a stool to sit on today

and can you spot Marion

who was here to help me today, she

"Say's Hi Bloggers. "

This local bread maker set up a stall on day two

just perfect stuff.

we were just opposite a local farmer with his stall

selling steak burgers

the smell was great and they tasted even better.

Sorry the picture is a bit blurred

I hadn't had a drop to drink Honest.

Here is a picture of the walk down the hill from the castle

to the town.

The event really gets going about 4.30pm

and carried on until 9.30pm

It was very very busy and we did very well.

We both got stuck in to selling and being very pro active

promoting the workshop and showroom.

but we both realised that people were looking for bargains

so at some points we would have been good at selling second hand cars.

but it did the job and we had some fun with some of the customers.

We had a private bet on a stupidest hat competition.

and I gave a ginger bread man tree decoration to anyone

who I felt looked stupid enough.

I gave out 5

No pictures that would just be cruel.

Back at Barrington Court today

for the Antique Fair.

I was trying to describe how busy it is at the moment

and I said

" it's like being in a Super Mario computer Game".

Dunster Castle Candlelight Day One.

2011-12-03T11:12:00.000Z

Well we have survived the first Night at Dunster Castle

It's a great place for a show.

But an awkward space to make work

it's only just over 5ft wide

with an uneven cobbled floor and very difficult to light.

as you can see you could almost do with a torch at the front of the stand.

( that's not a bad Idea )

The back of the stand is bright enough

I've put a slice of tree we had in the garden over the top of

the water trough at the back so we can use the space.

Plenty of people we worked it out to be about 200 per hour

You can tell we were once both sales reps.

Sales got off to a storming start, but then fell away a bit

but we did OK

I took a short break later on and walked through the town.

It was drizzling but still had a great feel about it.

all the houses and shops have candles in the windows

and there is loads of places to eat and drink.

we are there again today Saturday 3rd December

from 1pm - 9.30pm.

Come on Down.

Dunster Castle Candlelight 2nd & 3rd December 2011

2011-11-21T20:03:00.000Z

I had a call last week from the shop Manager at Dunster Castle

a National Trust Property.

Asking me if I would like to attend

The Candlelight event at Dunster Castle.

Dunster is a great place

a real medieval Village with a Castle.

So I decided to go and have a look last week

to check out the space.

These are the Castle stables and I will have a stall in here.

what a great place to have a stall.

I'm going to have to come up with something special for this space.

I think My Pancheons will fit in well with the space.

I'm going to be in with the food section, being close to a Butcher

with quality burgers is fine with me.

The annual event attracts around 5,000 people

and starts around 4pm until 9.30pm

on both the Friday & Saturday Night.

This is the old Nunnery in the village.

and this is the view from the car park.

I'm really excited about doing this show.

I've also put the link on in the Events page

of the new Web Site.

Come on Down!

New Barrington Pottery web site

2011-11-16T10:47:00.001Z

The Time has come to move the web site to another level

We have been working on this for 3 months now.

It's a lot of extra work but it's been keeping me

out of the pub in the evenings, which is no bad thing.

We still have lots of extra stuff to add but at some point you

just have to bite the bullet and launch it.

It has a number of new features which we hope people will like

You can now buy on line from our online shop.

You can buy a gift certificate

you can even email a gift voucher to a friend.

You can log in and create an account for yourself

it's quick and easy and you don't even have to buy anything.

You can sign up for the newsletter

and account holders will be sent special offers from time to time.
You can even add pots to a wish list,
great for dropping hints to a loved one.

we would love to know what you think.

Here is a link to the site.

Go on log in.

http://www.barringtonpottery.com

Making, Making, Making.

2011-11-14T19:48:00.000Z

Things are happening here at Barrington Pottery

The only way I am going to keep up

Is just to keep making.

as the kiln cools down

I am drying Pancheons on the lid.

This is the top shelf.

and under the top shelf this shows how versatile these

top loading kilns can be.

I finally plucked up the courage to slip this very large Pancheon

The biggest one I've ever made.

and today it's been sat drying on the wheel next to me

and it's felt like having a friend sat there. I was thinking that that's a weird

thing to say. But I remembered that some of Doug's big pots

look like people stood in the workshop.

I've made 100 ramekins in the last two days.

and I've been looking at a way to fit more pancheons in the kiln

this is a trial

I have one on the floor of the kiln along with 5 jugs

and four Ramekins.

and one under the lipped bowls,

The trial bit is glaze firing these two on their sides.

and it seems to have worked.

I'm going to be making some pan rings for the new year.

and I've just started to decorate the showroom

for the Christmas visitors.

Big News for 2012 - Antony Gormley installation at Barrington Court

2011-11-09T17:55:00.000Z

In April 2012

Barrington Court will be host to an

Antony Gormley Installation called

"Field for the British Isles".

It's an installation of thousands of clay people

These are images of the installation from Antony's web site.

I hope that's alright!

I've put the link at the end.

"It's" or should I say "they", are going to occupy the floor

in three rooms at Barrington Court.

It's all part of Barrington Court finding a niche for it's self now that it's empty.

I can't wait to see it.

It's going to bring a real buzz to the court next year

and to accommodate the extra 15,000 extra visitors they think it will attract

Barrington Court will be open 7 days a week from March 2012.

2012 is looking like it's going to be a very busy year

for us at Barrington Pottery.

I'm really excited about this!

And with a bit of luck I might get to meet

Antony Gormley

and have a cup of tea with him

in my workshop.

Here is the link

enjoy.

http://www.antonygormley.com/show/item-view/id/2260#p0

Large Bowls at Barrington Pottery

2011-11-07T11:49:00.000Z

I was going to start this blog with a picture of the horrific accident

on the M5 jnc 25 in Somerset on Friday night

in which 7 people died.

But looking at the pictures it somehow didn't feel right.

We count ourselves lucky as we got on the M5

at that junction at about 6.30pm that night and the accident

happened around 8.30pm.

Our thoughts are with all those affected.

OK now on with the blog.

I don't do much slip trailing and when I do it's usually white on black

this bowl came out a treat a few weeks ago

and I've just realised I hadn't put it on the blog.

This was me in the workshop around 5.30 on Friday night

I have a commission to make a 20" bowl for the local church font.

My first attempt last week was using 14lbs of clay and was only 16"wide

so I've had another go with 16lbs of clay.

it still wasn't big enough. so this is 20lbs of clay

note to self "when adding water to the rim remember the rim is over hanging

the tray and you just cover yourself in water"!

This is just about big enough and it survived the night.

This is one of the earlier attempts

having just been turned on my small wheel.

and here are some jugs for an order.

The court is closed in the week so now so it's a great time to crack on with some work.

My workshop is open all through the week except for Wednesday.

WPA Demonstration Day.

2011-11-04T15:29:00.000Z

On Saturday 29th October 2011 we did a demonstration day to 12 people from the

Westcountry Potters Association.

And silly me, I got so involved in the day

I forgot to take any pictures.

Plenty of the visitors took a shot, luckily off me rather than at me.

so as soon as I get some of those sent to me I'll put them up.

It was the first time I had done a formal

Demonstration day and especially to other potters.

We had some fun and the day went very quickly from my part.

Marion provided us with copious amounts of tea & cake

she said afterwards it was the only way she could keep people awake!

I thoroughly enjoyed the day and the response I have had back

from those who attended has all been very positive.

Thank you for a great day.

Misty Morning 2011

2011-10-30T11:52:00.000Z

I've not made that many pots over the past few weeks

because I've still been suffering with the flu.

The morning at the workshop is a great time to go for a walk with caddy.

It's a real treat to see the nature around the court

and is a great way to start the day.

I love the mist.

and a great web.

I love mornings like this.

The workshop

I love all the colours in this view

and It's amazing how they transform into your work.

Like these pie dishes.

all for now,

I'm off to clean up the workshop for

the Westcountry Potters Association demonstration day

on Saturday.

Somerset Life Magazine Article.

2011-10-27T21:20:00.000+01:00

Barrington Court closes at the end of October

and is then only open at weekends

in November.

So now was a great time to get a bit of extra exposure

to help with sales on the run up to Christmas

This is the November issue of

Somerset Life Magazine.

and the workshops have a four page spread.

I am open all of November and December.

In fact we are all open until Christmas.

It's a great place to come and buy some unique

Christmas Presents.

Don't Worry Mum

I've just put a copy in the post for you.

Pain you can't take tablets for!

2011-10-24T18:38:00.000+01:00

Before I start on this blog

Note to self

"Don't take life to seriously, Know one gets out alive."

I was given these Shoji Hamada

comedy Glasses last week.

what was worrying was I could see great in them!

I had the Flu for most of the past week

so I was off on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday

I went back in the workshop on Thursday, but was too rough to make pots

so I did loads of computer stuff.

and these signs for the showroom.

I've noticed that some customers, seem to have no idea

and need telling what it is I'm making and why,

But you don't always get the chance to,

so I've spelt it out for them.

Yes no Imported stuff

I realise that these aren't the best ten reasons at all

so any help on this would be appreciated

and I'll change this bit and post it up.

and these are my winter open times.

We now have gift voucher cards

all printed up nice and smart.

So I've been working on this as well.

The rest of the time I have spent loading up new pics and

info for a new look web site, that will have it's own

add to basket section,

I've re written all the about stuff, terms & conditions

descriptions of each pot etc, etc

Only to have Sam ( my web guy )

tell me he's changed the cart to a new updated version

and all my work has been lost.

to be fair to Sam he did send me an email

that said

OH, No!

http://edsadesigns.com/

Museum of Somerset now re open

2011-10-15T16:25:00.000+01:00

The Museum of Somerset

has re opened after a major redevelopment.

It's in Taunton just behind the Castle Hotel.

I've been waiting 3 years for it to re open because it had a big collection

of Donyatt Pottery on Display.

So you can imagine my disappointment

when the lady on reception told me it was all now in storage.

I explained I had come to see one particular plate

of the conjoined twins of Isle Brewers in 1680.

She gave me a number to ring to make an appointment to see it.

So I thought while I'm here I'll have a look around.

In the very last room I looked in

There it was on Display.

I've been asked to make a copy of it

and I wanted to see it at first hand.

it was smaller than I expected at about 12.5" wide.

by the time I got back to reception the lady was nowhere to be seen.

Mean while back at the workshop!

Wassail Cups and salt pigs waiting to be slipped.

I've just been told today that Barrington Court

won't be holding a wassail next year.

So maybe we will do some kind of event ourselves

on a freezing cold dark wet night in January.

and a trial run on a large bowl for the village church.

this measures 19" wide and was 14lbs of clay.

it needs to be 24" wide, so I'm going to try again with 16lbs of clay.

this shot gives you a perspective on the size

as the bowl in the background is 16" wide

made from 6.5lbs of clay.

Design Process in progress

2011-10-10T11:31:00.000+01:00

I love working on my own in my workshop

the space is very special to me.

I think that having waited 22 years for my own workshop

now that I have it I don't want to share it.

But more recently Marion has been coming down at the weekends

and making a few things and watching and learning.

I always felt like a very lonely potter,

who just wanted to close the door

and get on with making what I want to make in my own way.

But this weekend has changed all that.

We had been discussing a design for a large plate or platter

and I weighed up 6lbs of clay and threw a 13" wide ( bowl ).

This was not what we had talked about.

So I weighed up 5lbs of clay and made this.

This wasn't what we had talked about either!

So I weighed up 6lbs again and made this,

no different to the first one.

so I tried again, getting closer but the base was too small.

In the end I weighed up 6.5lbs of clay

and made this 15" wide platter with plenty of meat at the bottom

for turning.

it was great to have someone to work with and to discuss what I was making

or to put it another way "to point out the error of my ways."

But we got there in the end.

we had unloaded the kiln earlier and we both liked this large bowl

in the Old English White glaze.

and this small pancheon in the Buckley style

surprised me, it's been sat on the shelf for months

and I had not felt inspired to glaze it.

But when it came out I found myself sitting down watching

my Svend Bayer DVD in the showroom whilst hugging this pot.

Marion went home earlier to prep for the roast dinner last night

and it was great to see this Pancheon of potatoes

sat on the kitchen table when I got home.

what nicer site could a potter wish to see.

Harvest Festival Time 2011

2011-10-07T00:10:00.000+01:00

Sunday was the last day of

Somerset Art Weeks.

I had the feeling it wasn't as good as previous events

But I've sat down since and done the sums.

Last year over the two week event we sold 104 pots

this year we sold 124.

but the sales value was only 4% up.

Having been a contracts manager for 20 odd years

you never get away from analysing figures and working out

where you are compared to last year.

We sold more pots but they were all lower value items.

Overall we are doing very well this year

despite the doom and gloom merchants on the telly,

I feel as if I'm living in a parallel universe.

These pots came out of the kiln on Monday

to replenish some of the stock.

Last Saturday was Ilminster carnival,

the weather was great.

what was nice was that we both got a cheese burger and chips and

sat in a shop doorway eating them, while people who were sat

in a swanky restaurant on the first floor looked down

at us with envy as they waited for their meal.

The floats were amazing this year.

These guys were on stilts.

The streets were packed and the floats lit up the whole street.

afterwards we popped up to our mates in the

Duke of York Pub

Ron & Sarah Philbeck
had a meal in here when they came over

a couple of years ago.

They had a band on and it was a bit of a do.

I didn't ask this chap how he got these bunny ears

but there were plenty of ladies around boogieing to the band.

This is my harvest jug for 2011

with script taken from a Michael Cardew Jug.

This week seems to have flown bye.

I had to take the afternoon out on Wednesday

and I went to bed for 3 hours I was just exhausted.

But I feel great again now.

The Up's and Downs of life as a potter.

2011-10-03T21:42:00.000+01:00

In my last post I mentioned I had an exciting day ahead!

I'm not sure it went quite to plan.

The showroom was all set up for a visit

from a group of Buyers from a large organisation

I'm not in a position to say who yet!

It all went OK on Wednesday morning.

But I'm not going to know the outcome for some time.

At lunch time I went over to Yeovil

where there was a loud bang under the bonnet of the Pajero

followed by lots of steam.

The Radiator had split across the top.

But a chap from the RAC said I had broken down

only 2 miles from one of the biggest radiator stockists

in the south west.

Raysons radiators

Result.

He popped down the road and came back with a brand new

radiator which is amazing considering

the Pajero is a Japanese import that is 19 years old.

any way he fitted it on the spot.

The result of all this is that the Vehicle is now in the local garage

being checked over.

So Me & Caddy have been walking to work.

The weather has been stunning over the past few days

and walking to work has been a real pleasure, beautiful sunshine

misty mornings and the reassuring sound of apples

hitting the floor as we walk past the orchards.

even the local wildlife was looking for some shade.

Including this little chap.

It's amazing, one minuet your up, the next your down

and then your up again by the most natural things.

Fresh pots and Late summer sunshine.

2011-09-27T16:11:00.001+01:00

OK it's 3.30pm and I have made 70 pie dishes today

here is a shot of 50 of them drying in the sun.

there are another 20 in the workshop

Honest!

I have a new camera thanks to a combination of

Marion & Cadbury

I'm sure the real story will find it's way

onto Caddies blog

The upshot of the saga, is that I now have a new

and better camera

which is great because I'm also updating my web site

with lots of new stuff.

I'll let you know when it's all done.

The pie dishes look great with the Autumn colours.

so natural.

Lipped bowls for the web site.

people love this big chap

but he is still in the showroom.

and these are the ramekins.

I had three nutters in the workshop

all at the same time today.

They were all none related, they just seem to arrive all at once

totally independent.

They did seem to cancel each other out though

which was quite funny.

I'm going to check the alignment of the stars this evening

as it could be a sign

3 unwise men turning up on my doorstep

unfortunately none of them were baring gifts.

anyway I think I've had my fair share

so I'm hoping that's it for the year.

Very interesting day lined up for Wednesday

so I'll let you know more

later in the week.

Somerset Arts Week 2011 Venue 24 week one

2011-09-21T18:34:00.000+01:00

Somerset Art Weeks is well under way

and we have seen a good amount of people through the doors

sales are going well

and just like this sunflower in the back garden at home

it's enough to make you Smile.

I've had some new pots out of the kiln today

including these Soup Bowls.

and some more salt pigs.

and some new Pie dishes

as we had sold out on Monday

so now these 5" pie dishes are back in stock.

and walking through the village the other day

I noticed two of my jugs sat in the window of a cottage in the village.

It's nice to your work in peoples houses.

why not come and see us while art weeks is on.

you can also see work by

Clare Newman

WPA Demonstration Day Saturday October 29th

2011-09-18T13:12:00.000+01:00

I just received this in the post yesterday.

with a nice article.

it comes with a booking form.

Joining the

west country potters association

is very worth while and you can do it here.

Join

let me know if you are coming.

Somerset Arts Week 2011 Venue 24

2011-09-17T13:39:00.001+01:00

Today See's the start of

Somerset Art Weeks 2011 Exhibitions & Events

This year is group workshops

and the Barrington Court workshops have entered

we are venue 24.

open 6 days a week 11am - 6pm

closed Wednesdays.

we had a very successful private view event last night

thank you to all that attended and made it such a great night.

as per usual on one of our do's

the invite time of 6pm - 8pm

was totally ignored and we pushed the last few

out of the door at 10.30pm

This year I have work by Clare Newman in my showroom

come and have a look.

we would love to see you.

Mystery Resolved

2011-09-14T22:10:00.010+01:00

OK it's been a difficult week dealing with my slip issues

but I have finally resolved it.

These are the supposedly two same piles of

Hyplas 71 Ball clay.

the one on the left is what it should be like

and the one on the right is the rouge batch.

I was so unhappy with it I decided to go to CTM supplies with a small

sample of the rouge batch.

Their stock matched what it should be like that's the one on the left

so I bought 30KG.

This is the difference when bisc fired.

I took it back and made up some new batches.

The big top pot is the wrong batch

it should look like the smaller one.

I got into a bit of a mess making up my new batches and

throwing away the old ones. it took me all afternoon to sort this

and I was getting more wound up as the day went on.

So I decided to take a picture of the batch codes on the bags

and email them to Imrys the maker.

it was at this point I noticed the rouge batch was not actually Hyplas Ball clay

it was a different ball clay all together HYMOD!

No wonder it was a different colour.

in fact the reason I had not noticed was that Bath Potters

had put the paper sack in a plastic bag, whilst trying to be helpful!

but had put in the wrong ball clay.

ARRRGGHHHH!!!

Sunday 11th September

2011-09-11T10:55:00.000+01:00

Just a quick blog to let customers know

I am closed all day today.

Sunday 11th September.

for your further viewing pleasure I have added a selection

of pictures from the past year..

5" pie dishes have been a great success.

I've just noticed this picture has been tampered with

the Pancheons are not that tall.

and if you go to work Early enough

you see things like this.

and this.

and Cadbury has started up his blog again

you can check it out here.

John Leach Open Day

2011-09-08T08:59:00.000+01:00

Don't Foget it's John Leach's Muchelney Pottery

Open Day

on Saturday 10th September

Here is the link for more info

John Leach

http://www.johnleachpottery.co.uk/Open_Day_2011.asp

The Same But Different!

2011-09-06T10:27:00.002+01:00

OK I slipped some items as per my last post

Both of these jugs have 100% Ball clay slip

nothing added.

the one on the left has the old batch

and the one on the right has the new batch.

This is the one on the right glazed and fired.

and this jug also had the new batch on the rim.

You were right it doesn't seem to make much difference

But I can tell.

all in all a good firing with some nice colourful results.

a chap asked me yesterday why I had priced this pot with the

beautiful glaze the same as one with a handle.

I told him he had answered his own question when he said

"with the beautiful glaze."

Colour on the shelf

but I'm still not convinced.

"It's called market forces". I'm told

I have an answer to that, but I'd better keep that to myself!

We shall end today's blog with a cute little jam pot

that has shape, form and a richness of colour

that when you pick it up,tells

it's own story.

To me that's what pots should do.

They should talk to you and make you feel you want

to pick them up and hold them.

To Slip or not to Slip ? that is the question.

2011-09-02T16:57:00.000+01:00

Laura is probably going to pick me up on my grammar with this title.

But nether the less the question needs to be asked.

I just mixed up a new batch of Hyplas 71 Ball Clay

from a new 25KG sack

and look at the difference in colour.

the one on the left is the old bucket

and the new one on the right is much creamier in colour.

So the dilemma is do I use it ?

Will it come out the same colour

" I'm thinking not"

I slipped this dish with the old white inside

and the green outside.

and these Tankards are for an order

I've decided not to slip them until I've had some feedback

from some of my trusted friends on the blog.

also waiting in the wings are these three small harvest type jugs

that are at present being looked over by Bernard Leach.

So While I'm waiting for some potterly advice

I have got on with an order for Tapas bowls from

the local pub.

The Barrington Oak.

Thank You in advance,

as I am sure You will be able to help me.

Two Glaze firings in one week.

2011-08-30T17:05:00.000+01:00

I'm trying my hardest to catch up with the general

lack of stock in the showroom.

I mixed up a new batch of glaze which I

deliberately made up a bit thicker.

This salt pig has the new batch of glaze.

and this is the backside.

This is the old English white.

and a nice bloom on the side.

one of the garlic pots

also with a nice bloom.

this new serving dish

has a rich lush glaze.

and a couple of these Live Simply bowls

and pie dishes in a number of colours.

and to show I mean business

these jugs are now ready for biscuit firing.

I'm pleased to say The showroom has a reasonable level

of stock

but that's partly due to the fact

that Bank Holiday weekend sales were very poor.

every cloud has a silver lining.

Gaddafi on my mind as I slip away.

2011-08-25T09:44:00.000+01:00

Some times you open the kiln door

all excited, because you have tried

something new, and the firing has gone well

but the results weren't what you were expecting

and it makes you feel flat and dejected.

I had these plates and pie dishes

that I had wanted to come out in the new, old English white glaze.

and they came out what I call

all wishy washy.

It's just not what I wanted, and I know people say

know one will know and they look OK.

But I know

and I don't like them

and that's what matters to me.

They came out a few days ago and I've been trying to get my head around it

then I found this picture I had taken after they had been slipped.

I can see how thin the slip is

and I should have known better.

Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!

and then I go home and watch the news and see the Libya rebels

and that puts it all into perspective.

" if the biggest thing I am worrying about is how thick the slip

should have been on my plates"

Then I have nothing to worry about.

I came back in the workshop the following day

and these salt pigs look like an army of salt pigs.

I checked out all my jugs

and Gaddafi isn't hiding in here.

This biscuit firing has now been glazed

and is cooling down now.

so some more fresh pots will be out on Friday.

so lets hope for some better results.

The Sky's the Limit

2011-08-21T18:01:00.000+01:00

We have had a week of amazing sunsets

not too much sun

but at night and first thing in the morning

we have had some stunners.

also this week I found the perfect way

to decorate my large bowls.

This is now a trade secret, but I'll let you in on it.

Coffee, Chocolate Buttons & Andy Williams on the stereo.

"Only Mr Williams on the stereo"

not the chocolate or coffee

that would just be plain silliness.

I've been making Garlic and Jam pots this week.

I managed to knock this one off the shelf

But Amazingly I caught it in mid air

and the lid stayed on.

In view of the success of my bowl with the dropped R

I have decided to keep this as an Organic Garlic pot.

We also had a visit from a fellow blogger

from America who is over here on a pottery holiday

It was great to meet Nancy Gallagher.

I whipped off my Smock

to reveal My Ron Philbeck T Shirt.

Yesterday I took 5 hours to load and glaze a kiln load,

it took me ages to work out how to fit the pots in.

In the end, I loaded it before glazing

and took pictures so that I wouldn't forget the layout

by the time I had glazed the pots.

Saturday night was sunny and warm

so after a hard days work we decided to head down to the coast.

Where we were treated to another

beautiful sun set.

And it was a real treat!

what a nice way to end a day.

Revised Pottery Workshop Counter

2011-08-16T15:56:00.000+01:00

I found this week chalk board at the Taunton Flower show

the other week.

I decided to make some changes to my sales counter

to try and clear my desk of clutter.

So I put this up with three shelves behind it.

we had also picked up this counter bell at an antique shop

a few weeks ago.

I'm finding that when I get engrossed in making pots

people find it hard to gain my attention, when I am

" In the Zone" so to speak.

So I put this on the counter.

Today I have been busy making Garlic pots

and the lids for them.

when somebody rang the bell

and made me jump out of my skin.

I hadn't even noticed they had walked in.

So I revised the note.

so that I don't jump out of my skin on a regular basis.

Old English White.

2011-08-12T10:16:00.001+01:00

For some time now I have been wanting to produce

an Old English White.

It's a colour that I have always liked

since as far back as I can remember.

So You can Imagine How Excited I was when I opened the kiln yesterday.

and found that my latest glaze hits the spot.

It has a richness and depth of colour that just makes you smile.

It almost looks like wet slip.

above is the cream and below the new white.

This is a jug as a test to see how it looks.

The Colour is called Old English White

This is a classic Austin Healey

in Old English White.

Classic simple design in classic simple colour.

Crazy For You - apt description for London Trip.

2011-08-10T22:15:00.002+01:00

Our Friend and Neighbour Ian McGarry is on the board of directors

of the Open Air Theatre in Regents Park.

And he was able to arrange for us to attend the press night.

So we took the chance to pop into

Edwards & Todd to see how the pots are selling.

They are in the window display

and more are inside.

They have been selling well and a fresh order could be coming my way soon.

which is great news.

I took the opportunity to pop around the corner

to the Contemporary Ceramics Gallery

where I took this picture of Clive Bowen pots on display.

Later in the day we were near the Gherkin in the City

This is the view from the bedroom window in Putney

can you see the tube train.

So here we are at the Open Air Theatre

in Regents park.

While else where in London this was the scene

The show was Fantastic and we were at the after show party

here is our 90 year old friend Nancy with Sean Palmer

the star of the show.

Here we are leaving the party

Oblivious to the chaos around us.

Until we tried to catch a tube and bus home.

We didn't see this bus but the tubes were running a limited service

and the buses were all being re routed.

but we managed to get back to Putney.

This mindless looting makes you ashamed

to be British.

But the response by so many people to clean up

and help out in the aftermath.

Makes you proud.

I take my hat off to all that are showing that

people are not prepared to let them get away with it.

Barrington Pottery Attend Taunton Flower show.

2011-08-07T15:36:00.000+01:00

This post is a bit longer than usual

so why not go and make a cup of tea

and come back and relax.

This Year we were fortunate enough to be asked to

give pottery demonstrations at the

Taunton Flower show.

It's been running since 1866 and we were very pleased to be asked.

we were in the rural crafts section.

We had issues, that according to Marion were all my fault.

Can you spot our Gazebo ?

No neither could we!

I had ordered one on Tuesday for delivery on Thursday

with the show starting on Friday morning.

Luckily for us it was dry all day Friday.

we were right by the main arena

which as you can see was full.

One of the displays was the Jamie Squibb

freestyle display team.

These guys were Awesome!

not a word I use much but in this case it's the only word to describe them.

It was a great show,

They even had the camels from the side of the M5

on display in the children'ss area.

This lady was fun with her Chariots of fire display.

OH LOOK !

Whats This.

It eventually turned up at the pub in Barrington

at about 4.30 on Friday afternoon.

which just about saved my skin

as it started raining on the Saturday morning about 9am as we

arrived at the stand with the Gazebo.

It felt strange demonstrating making pots

and looking up and seeing 30 -40 people watching you

and even stranger when they gave a round of applause.

Big Tip

Don't try pulling handles when teenage girls are around.

and this last shot is just for Ron

It wouldn't be a Somerset show without Cider!.

anyway we had our best show ever

and on Monday the 8th August 2011

it will be 3 years since we were both made redundant

on the same day.

Crikey what a Three Years.....

New Earthenware Glazes.

2011-08-02T17:44:00.000+01:00

Following the success last week of my new lighter honey glaze test

earlier this week I mixed up a new 10kg Batch

But having been inspired by a new glaze

I decided to mix up the glaze without

adding the 3.5% Iron Oxide

and try it as a clear glaze on my coloured slips.

So here are the results

Clear on white slip

Clear on Blue slip

Clear on green slip

and the light honey with the 3.5% iron.

I had also been asked to make a small 5" tall cream jug

in the branhams style with a black rim.

while I was at it I made a selection of smaller jugs.

another nice pancheon this one is 14.5" wide and 5.5" deep.

Marion combined her sketching skills

with her newly acquired dish making skills.

Oh and the lady I did this bowl for

came in this morning while the kiln was still at 189oc

I opened the lid to show her but it was too hot

so I gave her the one with the dropped r

to be going on with.

I'm pleased to report that she loved it.

All in all a very good day and

I've had a second Tonne of clay delivered today

It's a beutiful day and one that deserves

a pint or two sat outside the pub tonight.

Quick Pots & Chaos.

2011-07-30T08:54:00.000+01:00

Last Saturday & Sunday I made Pie Dishes

and Ramekin Dishes.

This morning only 1 week later They are out of the kiln.

We have had some warm weather and the fact that they

don't need handles etc: has enabled them to dry

quickly in the sunshine.

This kiln load had four layers of shelves.

and for once I did a glaze test.

something I know I should do a lot more of.

This was a new batch of my honey glaze on the left

which has 7% Iron Oxide red

the one on the right has only 3.5%

and I'm very pleased with it.

The Ramekins are now on the shelf in the showroom.

a quick turn around of stock helps the showroom look

a bit fuller.

Here are two of the grandchildren

Archie on the left and Koby on the right

They say never work with Children and Animals

and yesterday I had both in the workshop.

Now I know where the word Chaos came from.

This was a shot caught on the iphone

and not a set up in any way.

Don't worry Archie is still alive.

This was Thursday's day out.

and this was just a Weird Toilet wall !

There's Early and there's Early

2011-07-28T08:48:00.000+01:00

Last Night I was up till midnight

filling in my last Larc claim form.

These Doves were on the workshop roof as I left the workshop last night.

Then this morning I needed to be up at 6.30am

to go to the workshop and glaze pots for a firing.

This was the workshop this morning

it was like a scene from Bambi when I got there.

Four Bunnies on the grass, the small Owl on the roof

and the doves were still there.

I started to unload the Biscuit Firing and looked up at the clock

It was only 5.45am I had misread the clock at home

and had got up at 5.30am.

Now that's Early.

Still the kiln is now on & I'm off today

with two of Marion's grandchildren for a day out.

Donyatt Inspired Order.

2011-07-26T10:08:00.000+01:00

Yesterday I had two Bowls come out of the Glaze firing

that were made to order.

What was nice about the order, was that the old chap

that ordered them

Gave me Licence to use any of the designs

in the Donyatt Potteries Book.

I chose this rim design and moved the wording

down into the bowl.

In the original pot there was a lot more fancy stuff in the middle

but I felt that it would detract from the wording.

The chap was very pleased with them

and it was a lovely order to work on.

Monday was a very warm day here

and it gave me time to slip and dry some pots in the sun.

The back row here 5" pie dishes

and the front two rows are 4" Ramekin dishes

something I've not made before

but I think will fit in well with my product range.

I'm trying to focus more on producing a product range

and do a few one offs in between.

I'm going to make some large bowls today

as centre pieces.

I've also ordered another Tonne of clay

that's the quickest I've ever got through a Tonne of clay

3and a half months.

Paul the Potter Meets Elvis....

2011-07-21T10:19:00.000+01:00

It's not every day you get to meet

ELVIS

But last Saturday night we did

in the form of Barry Paull

He did a show at the

Dinnington Docks

to raise money for the Free wheelers

motor bikes that deliver blood and organs.

This is Me & Elvis just before the show started.

Here he is in action

He really is very good

The atmosphere was fantastic.

we were well into it.

This was much later in the evening

Wendy grabbed her chance

Then Marion did

Sam wasn't going to miss out

and Pat shouted

"Wait for Me"

An excellent evening with fun had by all

and funds raised as well.

Thanks Barry you are a true Gentleman

and a Star.

"Oh dear" I said.......

2011-07-16T16:36:00.000+01:00

So there I am in the workshop nice and early

so that I can concentrate on

putting the wording on four bowls I have on order.

No Music, No Radio, no distractions.

I work out all the wording first by writing it on

with a soft pencil.

The mistake I made was moving the wording over a bit

after I had penciled it in.

Look at this basic error

I Missed out the "R" in church.

"Oh Dear"

I said.

at this point the whole pot is ruined.

so what do I do apart from throw it in the bin?

I had a cup of tea and gave it some thought.

and I came up with this little plan.

I drew in an R further down the bowl

and then wrote this little wording around the base.

My Mum used to tell me not to drop my R's

I will make another

luckily I have plenty of time on this one.

But I will offer this one to the lady that ordered it for nothing

as well as the one with the correct spelling.

It made me feel better about it

and I hope the Lady will see the funny side of it.

Another Day in Paradise

2011-07-16T10:30:00.000+01:00

Almost every day someone visiting my workshop

tells me I'm so lucky to work & live here at Barrington.

and everyday I am reminded why.

Yesterday morning me and caddie went for a walk

and we watched this Buzzard hunting in the field

you can just see him perched on the right hand side of the grey tree.

and sat on top of the workshop roof at the same time

was this little Owl

He was watching the Buzzard as well.

It was a lovely warm day and I was able to dry

my pie dishes in the sun prior to

putting them in the biscuit firing.

I only threw them on Tuesday, and dry enough to fire by Friday - result

The big dish that Marion made had come out of the kiln and it sold

within an hour of being on the showroom shelf.

I'm pleased to say we have two more in for a glaze firing today.

We also had a visit from Dave & Sue, Dave is a blog reader and

had spotted us at Rufford but didn't want to approach us.

We remember seeing you Dave,

we were sat on a bench in the rose

garden and you were both looking at the sundial.

If anyone spots us out and about come over and say Hi

we love to meet people that read the blog.

They are from the Ashbourne area of Derbyshire

and were down this way on holiday, they had met up with Doug Fitch

earlier in the week.

They bought a few pots with this jug amongst them.

Thanks guys it was nice to meet you.

So I've had a busy week, what with delivering pots to London

Marion's Birthday, on Thursday

making pots and a good sales week.

and we have new land lords in the Barrington Oak

We had a meal and a few pints in there last night

and it was the best meal I've eaten in that pub for 6 years.

so go on try it.

Central London Stockist of Barrington Pottery.

2011-07-14T11:02:00.000+01:00

So You can now buy Barrington Pottery

in Central London.

"Where"?

I hear you ask!

Edwards & Todd

25a Museum Street,

Bloomsbury,

London, WC1A 1JU.

Tel: 020 7636 4650

It's just around the corner from the British Museum

and coincidentally just around the corner from the

Contemporary Ceramics Gallery.

Gary Edwards & Johnathan Todd

tell me they have been following my blog for some time

and watching the workshop grow

Gary had studied pottery himself

at the Central School of Art in London

and so he knows what he's talking about.

I delivered the pots myself yesterday.

and they were going to make a

window display with them later in the day.

Thank You Guy's the order is very much appreciated

and I hope they sell well for both of us.

afterwards I made a day of it and went to have a look around

Liberty's

where I found these three large Pancheons priced at £95 each

Then I met up with my eldest Daughter Laura for lunch

who works at the National Theatre

amongst other things we discussed my new iphone

and she loaded up a new app for me

that does this to your pictures.

I'm already seeing a sgraffito application here.

Help for Heroes Calendar Now Available

2011-07-07T11:42:00.001+01:00

I can't quite believe I'm writing this post

some time last year I gave two Tankards to the Auction

for Help for Heroes

held at the Duke of York Pub, Shepton Beauchamp.

They raised £75

and on the night the total money raised was

something in the region of £8,400 and a great night was had by all

the pub was so packed people couldn't get in the front door.

So back in January I met Malcolm in the pub and he'd

had a few beers by the time we walked in, in fact he was pissed.

And he asked me if I would do a naked pose for an Idea he had for a Calendar

for Help for Heroes.

I SAID YES,

AND I HADN'T EVEN ORDERED MY FIRST PINT.

Well it turned out I was one of the first he had asked

and one of the first to say

Yes

He said afterwards that if he hadn't been pissed

he wouldn't of had the courage to ask me.

We almost gave a photographer a nasty surprise

when I got them mixed up.

and thought the other guy was coming to do the Naked shot,

when in fact all he wanted was some workshop shots! oops!

Anyway I'm waffling, I think because I'm nervous.

As the Photographer said

"Lets get down to the business in hand"

I have 20 Copies for sale in my workshop,

all of the printing costs have been met by sponsors of which I am one.

we have had 300 printed and are looking to sell them

for £10.00 each

to raise £3000

100% of the sale price will go to Help for Heroes.

So go on treat yourself or better still

buy one for someone you Love

I'm September,

but I'm told by Marion that most women wont bother

turning over past February which is the football team,

and it's a leap year next February,

not that you'll notice that

but it does give you an excuse to keep it on that page for a day longer.

So Come on don't be a shy one and Buy one.

I like that I just thought of that.

New Pots 2011

2011-07-05T11:43:00.000+01:00

I seem to be back on track right now,

trying to catch up on orders.

These new jugs fresh from the kiln.

and a leaf resist jug

and salt pigs are now back in stock.

I made about 12 and two have sold already.

It's been a very busy week because

July 2nd was Barrington Day and we are on the

organising committee.

I'll get some pictures up as soon as I can.

I've put a few on facebook.

Raku Firing this evening with my evening class students.

Pancheon Finds Good Home.

2011-06-30T17:57:00.000+01:00

Here I am in Somerset Making good old fashioned pots

and in my line of work I had today

the equivalent of a Royal Visit.

Mick Aston came in to visit me along with his lovely partner

Teresa Hall and their friend Adrian Bastin.

They work on the TV programme

Time Team.

It is Micks Birthday this week and he fell in love with this Pancheon

which Teresa bought him as a Birthday present.

It's the one in the new leaflet

so I'm very happy that it has gone to a good home.

On Wednesday I delivered the last of my Royal Wedding coffee cups.

This is Me waving good bye to them.

and once again a stunning sun set at the workshop.

Living the Dream ?

I think so.

Two Blogs in one Day.

2011-06-27T19:48:00.000+01:00

John Foley from the image gallery should like this one

two posts in one day.

John runs the Image Gallery in Long Melford Suffolk.

Long Melford is a Beautiful place.

and we met up again at Rufford, where he told me he felt I was

getting slack on the blogging front.

http://www.imagegallery.co.uk/

on Sunday Marion started making this moulded dish.

today she decorated the rim and painted slip.

I then did a decorative design.

we have tried making these before and they always crack

so this time we propped up the out sides.

Watch this space!.

Rufford Trip More Enlightening than Ever.

2011-06-27T11:11:00.000+01:00

On Friday Marion and I took a trip to the Earth & Fire show at Rufford

we were able to catch up briefly with our friends, Doug Fitch,
Paul Young, Hannah McAndrew and Tim Hurn.
unfortunately we didn't take many pictures.
We are pleased to report that all of them were very busy,
so we tried not to take up too much of their time and space.

We also met up with Margaret Brampton,

I recognised her pots first and she recognised me from the blog,

this was the first time we had met,

I must say that I don't tend to visit too many of these shows

because I usually come away feeling demoralised.

But this was the first time I have ever come away feeling

full of confidence and happy with my own work.

There were over 100 potters on display

but not one was making what I make in the way I make it.

I may even apply to have a stall next year.

The journey home was full of discussion instead of my usual

silence.

It was during these discussion that Marion mentioned she used to

be good at art as a kid, but didn't take it further as the teacher

was more interested in her than her work.

So we decided to let her have a go at Sgraffito.

Marion's passion is for horses.

she sat down quietly at the table and began to scratch while I threw pots

I could see she had a very confident manner

and that her movements were minimal but defined.

when she finished she just said

"there what do you think "?

I said some words that I won't repeat her on the blog

but it was along the lines of Blimey that's really good

what a dark horse.

She tells me she's told me before but I took no notice

it just goes to show. You should always

listen to your better half.

I'm going to make her some flat dishes to decorate and

we will see how it works out.

Kiln Electrical Engineer

2011-06-23T09:06:00.000+01:00

Both Kilns packed up last week so I've been 10 days without a firing

apologies to anyone waiting for pots.

I tried fixing one of the kilns myself but with no luck.

I have a fair understanding of how they work,

because me and my Dad built two 17 cu ft electric top loading kilns

when I was about 18 years old.

I called in John Shepley of

St Helens Networks.

I could have Knocked him over with a feather

when he stood in front of this kiln and said

" I take it this is the offending article"

and I said

" No this is the good one"!

This one still works, but as you can see the Elements

look like they've been having a party in there.

So John set to work on the other one, as you can see the elements in this one

are in perfect condition.

It turned out to be the Contactor, John replaced it and now all is well.

Biscuit firing last night seems to have gone OK.

Should you have a Kiln problem in the South West

John is Based in Torquay

http://www.sthelens-networks.co.uk/

I'll be ordering some new elements for the other kiln over the next week

I'm just going to do a bit of digging around to find the best possible price.

it's a Pottery crafts P5959.

River Cottage, Wales & the Black Swan.

2011-06-20T10:14:00.000+01:00

OK I'm going to try and catch up a bit.

the weekend before last Marion did a stand at

River Cottage HQ event

"Spring into Summer"

The Saturday was great and a good day was had by all.

This was our hastily put together table.

all sorts going on.

including herding geese with a sheep dog.

as you can see it was a nice sunny day.

But it was a different story on the Sunday

Marion braved it out while I stayed at the workshop.

as you can see it was a dull wet day.

This weekend we went to West Wales

for a party thrown by one of Marion's old school friends Mandy.

the forecast wasn't good, but we were very lucky

the youngsters played on the Rodeo ride.

While I realised I was getting to old for such things

and wasn't even tempted to get on. Maybe I should start wearing Beige!

This was our accommodation for the night

Hence the bottle of wine in Marion's pocket.

We were sort of prepared, we thought that glasses might be an issue

so we took a couple of Tea Bowls made by Hollis.

and we put them to good use.

In the morning this was a better site than ourselves.

and on the way back home we stopped off at a nearby river

to have a look at a pair of Black Swans we had spotted the previous day.

So that was last week.

and boy did we sleep last night.

when you've spent a night in a tent don't you just love your bed again.

This weekend we are looking forward to going to see all the fellow potters

at Rufford, we should be there on the Friday

all being well that Marion is able to get the day off work.

Can't wait.

What a Week, and it's not over yet!

2011-06-10T16:08:00.000+01:00

I have had a busy week and it's not over Yet.

On Monday I made a now rare trip back up to London.

To check out a few things for myself.

But felt progressively worse as the day went on, so I didn't

talk to the people I should have spoken to.

But like a May fly I

"spent the day Looking around."

I'm hoping Laura will be able to post a comment of the film that line is from.

Tuesday morning started with Five Nurses

on a taster session, and they paid me!

Tuesday night saw the start of my new set of Evening classes.

and the loading of a bisc firing.

and this magnificent sunset was a real bonus.

Wednesday saw me chilling out at home trying to shake of

a virus I seem to have picked up.

and Thursday was back in the workshop finishing off pots

and this morning I have loaded the Glaze firing.

Later I will be putting some stock together for a show at

River Cottage HQ on Saturday & Sunday.

Marion is doing the Saturday for me while I stay here and make pots

but the weather forecast for Sunday is heavy rain

So I'm going to offer to do the Sunday.

These two pictures were taken last weekend, by a visitor who

kindly sent them through to me.

they were titled " at the wheel"

and " Potters Dog".

What is great is that I'm feeling better and not worn out.

Soul to Souls.

2011-06-03T16:02:00.000+01:00

This week I have been lucky enough to be the benefactor

of a Potter

who sadly died towards the end of last year.

Felicity Miller

made tiles and pots from her studio at Home

here in Somerset.

I had been contacted by Felicity's son to see if I would be interested

in using any of her equipment.

Felicity had an excellent selection of Pottery books

which I have now arranged on a shelf called

" The Felicity Miller Student Library"

These will be great inspiration for me as well as

my students both young and old.

The small Kiln will be great for students work.

and the introduction of a slab roller to the workshop

has brought great excitement.

I would like to thank Felicity's family for allowing us to use her equipment

so that others can gain benefit from her work.

and for stating that following a donation to the British Heart Foundation

the equipment would come with her blessing.

Thank You

Felicity.

I hope there is plenty of clay in Heaven.

Topsy Turvey Kind of Bank Holiday Weekend

2011-06-01T15:40:00.000+01:00

It was a typical Bank Holiday weekend here in Somerset

On a good note The National Trust have provided us

with new signs, So This is my New A Board.

Also on a good note I had some bigger jugs out of the Kiln

on Saturday Morning.

This is made with 6lbs of clay and is 10" Tall

It has a fatter Belly that I like.

And I like this one complete with dribbles

again 6lbs of clay and 10" Tall.

For the first time the workshops at Barrington Court

did a stand at the Sherborne Castle Country Fair

on the Bank Holiday Monday.

We haven't had rain here for weeks, but it poured with rain on the day

and sales were very poor for the other two

But We didn't sell a pot. not one thing.

I did get to have a look at this chap.

So at the end of the day we packed the stand away

and headed to the pub

Where we were able to drown our sorrows with our friends.

Ok Forget that last post. I'm Back

2011-05-24T14:55:00.000+01:00

The first thing I said in my last post was

"I'm not sure I should be writing this blog".

and I needn't had.

All I should have done is wait until Marion

came home from work and had a chat with her.

Grayson Perry has his alter- ego "Claire"

and that's great I have no problem with that and it works for Him.

But when I get ILL I think this is my alter -ego

Dobby from the Harry potter films

sat on my shoulder and whispering

"Oh no Mr Jessop you can't be doing to well there must be something wrong

think about this and think about that Oh No Mr Jessop."

So I wrote Yesterdays blog. and an Hour or so later Marion came home

from work and read my blog.

She took caddy for a walk and then came back in.

And with the clarity of thought of a thousand virgins,

well maybe a hundred,

OK lets settle for half a dozen.

She swiped Dobby from my shoulder and she said

" right what we are going to do is this, this and this,

and that should sort everything out for you".

Brilliant

Just Brilliant.

And Today I've woken up feeling much better in both body

and mind.

so the moral of the story is to talk to the one nearest you

who knows you better than anyone else.

Thank You Marion for everything You do for me.

I've hit another brick wall.

2011-05-23T16:28:00.000+01:00

OK I'm not sure I should do this blog!

I've got some kind of virus and have spent the majority of today in Bed.

and it's not good to write stuff when you are feeling down.

But I feel as if I have hit a brick wall ( Again )

I put a post on 30th July 2010 with the same title.

In the last post I talked about reaching another level.

Well it feels like I have done that now but this is bringing it's own

worries and problems.

I am not complaining at all, but this is what the blog is all about

sharing the problems I am encountering as and when they happen.

I can not make pots fast enough at the moment.

Well I could but I don't want to churn out crap!

I have a number of shops asking me to supply them at the moment

and they want to see a structured price list and terms and conditions.

Plus some want more discount than others, and here I am struggling to make enough pots.

At first glance it's easy to say no to some of these shops,

But at the same time it's all about increasing peoples awareness of me.

I never did complete the Rubik's Cube.

I am strong enough to say no to people, but I can't seem to get my head around

all the Terms and conditions stuff. There are not enough hours in the day.

If anyone has some suggestions I would be most greatfull

if you want to email anything to me

paulthepotter@btinternet.com

I have so many small shows to do over the next few months

I'm feeling the pressure.

Not something I thought I would be saying.

as ever the only way out of this pressure is to tackle one thing at a time

and pot my way out of it.

I hope this wasn't too bad.

But you guys come up with some gems sometimes

and I feel as if I need a bit of Potter input.

We Are Not Alone!

2011-05-11T18:18:00.000+01:00

Here at Barrington Court

I am no longer the only craft worker in the Farm Buildings.

So there are far more reasons to come and visit the craft workshops.

Access to all the workshops is free and we are open all year round.

The first unit is now Barrington Patchwork

Run by Janet East

Janet has a great selection of Fabrics for the Quilter and general

sewing fraternity, she also stocks lots of accessories and books.

Janet's Fabric prices are very hard to beat and she also runs workshops

and classes, you can check out here web site here.

www.barrington-patchwork.co.uk

Do you recognise this place?

It's my old workshop.

Now home to Jozef Mezar - Wood carver

Jozef does some amazing carving work and also has a range of paintings

by his wife Anna

You can check out his web site.

http://www.jozefmesarwoodcarver.co.uk/workinprogress.htm

The next workshop is

The Muddy Dog Company

Run by Beverley Holtom

Here she is chained to her sewing machine.

Beverley makes a beautiful range of hand bags, In Leather

and fabric.

Here are a few shots of her workshop and showroom,

at this point I'm sure Beverley wouldn't mind me suggesting that you

are welcome to look around her showroom,

"but don't pick up and mix up her materials that are laid out for making bags"

people do it all the time and they really should keep their mitts off.

Here is a link to Beverley's web site.

www.muddydogs.com

I also have a new hands off policy in the workshop area.

In the showroom I have a sign that says

"Please pick up and handle the pots"

But in the workshop

I now have a shoot on sight policy!

Can you believe how stupid some people are

I'm surprised they are able to get themselves dressed in the morning!

I'm pleased to say that these people never buy anything

they just waste your time and ruin pots in progress,

so I don't class them as Customers.

My Customers on the other hand are some of the nicest people

you could ever wish to meet.

and of course they have good judgement ,style and taste.

I'd just like to say a big thank you to all of my customers

Your nice comments are always very much appreciated.

To busy to be tidy

2011-05-10T21:25:00.001+01:00

In a desperate attempt to get some stock on the shelves

I got in the workshop early this morning

and glazed a kiln load before 10am.

I also made up a new batch of glaze.

Does that mean I get away with this amount of mess ?

Rehearsals for a play were going on out the back of the workshop

on Sunday.

Nothing to do with me, but it made for a good picture.

I've also ordered a new KT250 connector from Potterycrafts today

for the other kiln.

Thanks guys for being so nice and helpful.

Not about the Royal Wedding

2011-05-05T09:13:00.000+01:00

It's exactly a week since the last of the

Royal Wedding coffee cups came out of the kiln,

Today I have opened a kiln that wasn't full of coffee cups.

This is what I'm calling my Horizon Bowl

it's taken from an Idea I was working on way back when I was at

college doing my Pottery A Level in 1979.

"Yes I'm that old."

I've also got into writing stuff on bowls.

Some things I just make up and others are things that follow you through life.

I like this one because it seems to fit well with being a potter.

It's been great to get back into making bigger pots.

These lipped bowls are for showroom stock.

and I've been asked to make a Country Jug for a wedding gift

with wording on.

This one is hitting the spot for me.

I can't seem to get away from weddings at the moment.

I'm not complaining ,

I Love Weddings.

All Done

2011-05-01T10:52:00.000+01:00

Thursday Morning saw the last of the Royal Wedding Mugs

go out of the door.

all done and all on time.

These last batch were for Hambridge school.

This Batch were for Pitney Village

and these ones went to Isle Brewers Village.

It was a great sense of achievement to fulfill all of the orders on time

and they all loved the presentation

which was all down to Marion.

We still have orders for a further 75 which will be started this week

and I'm going to make some extras that will be on sale in the showroom.

I took The Friday off and watched the wedding

and then retired to the pub for a few well earned Beers.

Royal Wedding Mugs Update.

2011-04-25T11:20:00.000+01:00

Don't Panic

with only 5 days to go before the big day

The mugs are now past this stage.

and past this stage.

In fact the first batch are all out of the kiln.

I was able to fit 125 mugs in this firing.

They were a mixture of three different orders.

These are the first batch for the Village of Pitney

being packaged up by Marion

This is the final deal

each mug wrapped in tissue and placed in a bag

along with a certificate and my new leaflet.

This is part of the first order of 100 pots

ready to go.

and Dave who ordered them came and collected them on Friday.

This is part of the second batch for Isle Brewers Village

just waiting for the next firing to complete the order.

also in the firing are 50 for Hambridge school

and these should be completed by Wednesday evening.

But I've come in to the workshop this morning only to find the kiln had

stopped with the pots looking like they had reached about 300 oc

So I've had to put it straight back on

and keep my fingers crossed.

New Barrington Pottery Leaflet

2011-04-21T11:52:00.000+01:00

I have now produced a new leaflet that people will be given when they buy a pot

it's a revised version of my original one

that we first produced in October 2008.

It folds into itself and this is the front cover

which is the same as the previous one.

I have revised the wording on the back cover

and added the local authority logos as they have helped me with the costs

of printing the new leaflet.

These next four pages which make up the inside of the leaflet

are all new.

I'm very happy with it.

The whole idea is to make it different from any other leaflets .

and I'm proud to say I think we have done just that again.

And Finally

I have finally had a picture of some of my pots

published in Ceramic Review Magazine.

I've sent a copy to my Mum.

she'll think I've made it.

Royal Wedding Exclusive!

2011-04-15T09:08:00.000+01:00

First Pictures of the Royal Wedding Coffee mugs.

These are going to be either given to school children in the area

or sold to raise school funds.

In total I have 3 orders that add up to 250 mugs.

The Royal Wedding is Two weeks today.

I've been putting in some long Hours and Marion

has been helping me in the evenings.

We are working on Two designs

One that has the slip sanded away leaving slip

in the wording to heigh light it.

and the second with wax resisit for the slip

and wax resist again for the glaze.

They are starting to come out of the kiln now so they should all

be done by this time next week

Certainly by the 27th at the latest.

Working Late is No Hardship in the Workshop Tonight.

2011-04-12T20:57:00.000+01:00

I'm working late most nights at the moment

to try and get these 250 coffee cups out the door

by the end of next week.

I have 60 in the Bisc kiln cooling down at the moment,

working all day Wednesday , so 7 days a week yet again.

But stood here tonight listening to Football on Radio 5 Live

while I put on 20 handles is no hardship.

At this time of night the sun comes streaming into the

workshop windows and gives a calm warm feeling.

I couldn't wish for a better place to be able to come to work.

I'm doing the job I love and I'm very busy

What more could I wish for.

Oh!

apart from a Chelsea win their 1 - 0 down at the moment.

It's a Mugs Game.

2011-04-05T11:00:00.000+01:00

I'm getting into making the 250 coffee cups.

it seems like a heck of a lot of pots.

But I have remembered that back in 1981

I made 500 mugs for a scout jamboree.

But I was only 19 then.

I'm weighing the clay 3/4 lbs for each one

but apart from that I'm doing them all by eye.

This batch have been turned and handled.

and these ones have had the stamped heart added.

and these ones have had wax resist painted onto the heart

and slipped in white slip.

They seem to be taking ages to dry

so I'm firing the kiln with other pots later today

to try and help the drying process.

Making sure the heart stays on is proving a problem

but I think we have cracked it.