maze hill pottery open event

http://www.mazehillpottery.co.uk/openstudios.php

SP, will you go and report back?

Looks like some great stuff from her Facebook page

Might be a bit cheaper from there, than Goldmarks  

Tis true, though I'm a fan of the gallery and I doubt Lisa would undercut them by much

It would be a good debate; are galleries like Goldmark good or bad for studio pottery?

I don't usually go to such events but, as you asked, I'm on my way.

climberg64 wrote:It would be a good debate; are galleries like Goldmark good or bad for studio pottery?

I think they are excellent - they have elevated the status in the art world of a number of really serious UK potters as well as introducing collectors to some wonderful non-UK makers. They offer a great package of gallery, online shop, booklets and videos so collectors are really well-informed. They show affordable pots (just) and if you ask nicely, will let you pay in.

Installments...

On the other hand they create a premiership of potters who are there because they have been backed by money. They may not be the best or most talented or the most original.

studio-pots wrote:I don't usually go to such events but, as you asked, I'm on my way.

Oh. I'm flattered that you responded so nicely to my peremptory post. But, I'm looking forward to hearing what you think.

I have just got back after a detour elsewhere and now have to go out for a meal (life's tough). Might be best to wait until tomorrow to write something, as the meal will involve alcohol.

As far as the other debate is concerned it might be worth starting it (again) in Lava Lounge or the General Pottery Discussion thread.

I got to Maze Hill yesterday morning around 10 minutes after opening time and the place was packed. You couldn't really get into the yard where the kiln opening was taking place and there were a large number of people picking over the "Seconds" as well.

Like all such events, if you want sub standard stuff at lowish prices then these events are for you. There was also the chance here of buying the odd items that Lisa has priced at her usual selling price and it hasn't sold so is reduced and mixed in with the seconds. These, if they appeal to you, are the only real bargains on offer. Other pots by Lisa are for sale at her standard gallery prices i.e. teabowls @£250 and large tsubo @ £800, as well as work from the three other potters, who work there.

You can buy things direct from the kiln but if you spot something really good coming out you need to be aware that at all such events such as these the best items may not be available.

The other potters currently at Maze Hill are Brigette Colleaux, former apprentice Darren Ellis and current apprentice, Elvira Brown, who originates from Kyrgyzstan but has lived in London for 10 years. I was aware of Brigette's and Darren's work having seen it before but was especially impressed by that of Elvira - perhaps a name to watch out for.

Thanks very much, SP. I wish I could have got there. Encouraging that it was so popular :)