Earth & Fire Show at Rufford

The past four weeks have been manic to say the least

Trying to make pots for Rufford

at the same time as moving our workshop and showroom

But we did it.

Some of the pots were still warm from the kiln when

they were loaded into the van.

On Thursday the 20th ( my 51st Birthday)

we loaded up and set off up the M5 for the 4 hour trip

to Rufford Abbey. 

 It was raining when we arrived and it looked more like Bleak Hall.

These windows were opposite our stall.

We were at the Abbey top

It is a great venue when the weather is good.

But Marion had worked hard on a new stall design prior to the show. 

and we set about building her creation.

The plan being to give ourselves a fighting chance of being voted the best dressed stall

as voted for by the visitors.

The winner wins a free stall for next year. 

Marion had added some nice touches.

The classic potters books, the weighing scales as a leaflet dispenser

and an old banding wheel so people could turn around some pots. 

All against the backdrop of a beautiful crumbling wall.

From which we could see Doug Fitch & Hannah Mc Andrews stalls. 

 The weather was a mixture of showers and not quite showering as much

with as the weather men say some odd spells of sunshine.

 It didn't dampen the spirits of the customers who turned out in good numbers.

 These are the stands on either side of us.

 Annie Peaker from Cumbria above

 and Ellen Rijsdorp from the Netherlands

 This work was amazing. all hand thrown.

Of course Pottery is not to every ones Taste. 

The rain was a bit of a pain at times. 

 Above Doug Fitch's stall

And below Hannah Mc Andrew's stall.

 Oh Look

there is the two of them together

what a surprise.

I should also mention that I did a demonstration of decorating

slipware in the old country style on the Friday afternoon

that seemed to be well received

and I won a medal on Sunday for my efforts in the

fun games section throwing a pot with a bag on my head.

Sales were great and we made many new friends

So we would like to thank all of those new customers

that found us and brought from us

Thank You

It's very much appreciated and it felt as if all of our hard work paid off.

But we didn't win the free stall for next years show.

so we hope we get asked again for 2014.

Time line of a Pottery Workshop being Created in Somerset.

Here are a number of pictures showing the development

of a barn at Barrington Court, being converted into a 

Pottery workshop for Barrington Pottery.

Scaffolding going up outside. 

 Scaffolding up on the inside and the roof is stripped.

 The whole roof  was replaced.

 The barn was stripped bare.

 and new roof under progress.

 interior scaffolding to help with insulating the roof.

 The insulation is installed

 and then covered and painted.

 New lighting added.

 The next step was to lower the entrance back to it's original height.

 and fit some doors.

 I'm starting to get excited now!

 The barn as it was handed over to us.

 Cadbury trying hard to take it all in his stride.

 new stone work above back door.

 Spot lights installed in the showroom end.

 How the spotlights will make a difference.

 Stage spot lights on an old builders Ladder add a quirky touch! 

 The showroom is our stage

so Stage lights seemed the only solution.

 Then down to the hard work of Lime washing the showroom walls

 It was slow hard work and expensive

Farrow & Ball Lime wash does not come cheap.

 I built a counter from reclaimed wood.

 Then we moved in the units from the old showroom.

 still some way to go.

 Then two days later our first customers.

 This lady was our first customer, within 15 minuets

of the new showroom opening.

 So this is our new space from the outside.

 and this from the inside.

 Me sorting out the pugging area.

 and Marion in the new school area.

We are now fully open in the new Barn

we are away at Rufford Abbey this weekend

but Freya & Jo will be keeping the showroom open while we are away.

so why not come on down and see the new space

it really does have a great feel.

and should see the start of a new era at 

Barrington Pottery.