JULY NEWSLETTER 2022

‘Wonder at everything, even the most mundane things’

Linnaeus motto.

The everyday does continue to enchant and absorb this functional potter living in rural Somerset.

Days are peopled with appreciative, enquiring clientele, often with new projects or just choosing from the plentiful array of crockery in the showroom. A recent task is a massive platter featuring a stonking Venetian palazzo hotel, oozing with elegance and historic watery grandeur – a truly splendid commission. I relish the prospect but need time and quiet to complete so will leave it until after our July holiday, appropriately in Italy, when I will return refreshed and newly inspired by Majolica. Can’t wait! I am also really looking forward to visiting the clay suppliers at San Sepolcro and will report back next month.

I spotted these ducks as they slug hunted and nibbled baby apples at The Newt in Somerset last weekend – such beauties and a truly amazing place. The depth of quality and finish in every architectural, engineering, gardening detail is quite amazing and elevating. I returned to the pottery workshop and it seemed shabby and garden wild but then we don’t have quite so many staff: one gardener would be nice but they are as rare as hen’s ( or duck’s ) teeth. But we remain intensely productive and on our toes to fulfil orders anytime so do keep asking.

July sees Nicola Werner Pottery honoured to be part of two local exhibitions:

1. ‘How we look’ alongside the awesome photographic portraits of Rob Stopford and Sally Clark’s brilliant paintings. Do drop by to The Old Brick Workshop near Wellington TA21 9HW

Sat 9th - Sat 16th July

2. At Crossways Farm, West Bagborough, TA4 3EP

Sat 16th and Sun 17th July

in the studio of the fine painter Elizabeth Edenborough with several others who study with her there.

You will find the online shop restocked this week, with old and new favourites: there may be even more Italianate influence in August and beyond, we will see.

All the best to you for happy holidays and catching up with many of those we love – we have had three lots of stupendous visiting Australians lately, finally able to travel again and hug families the other side of the world. Let’s hope we can remain robust in standing up to the pandemic and win through….rather like the amazing Cameron Norrie match at Wimbledon I just caught the end of! 
 

Warm wishes from Fitzhead,
NW