SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER 2021

August flew by as the rain hammered down out of the blue in Fitzhead and battered roses and slugs won the war generally.  But ingenious builder Godfrey arrived with Kes also Jed to revamp the old shed into a much more fit for purpose clay and packaging store in barely 10 days, while the pots continued all around.  Being able to hold the village fair and church teas was great and children enjoyed no-school wild days with whoops and skateboards and camping trips. The relief of life opening up again has been palpable despite understandable anxiety. 2020 when everything was on hold seems a sad quiet memory and there is a feeling of making the most of things now while we can.

People now pop by the pottery often, day courses regular and the stall was a great success at the super Wiveliscombe Street Fair as part of the 10parishes festival.
We are also part of Somerset Art Weeks Open Studios this month. The pottery is now proudly available at the great Broughton Gallery in Stockbridge, Hants and still at the Devon Guild and Contemporary Ceramics.

My seascape escape was heavenly in the Inner Hebrides via a brief dose of Cumbria at Ullswater where a part of my heart is always : I considered settling there 40 years ago but it was just too far from my roots and an advertisement in the local Penrith paper yielded nothing . It said  ‘Potter needs cottage and workshop to Rent’ . Afterwards I was told the local name for Gypsy was Potter…. They must have dealt in pots from their wagons in the past? Another name is Crocker which I rather like.  Apparently Welshes, the name of the original poor house where I live next to this Pottery means Outsiders (Offcomers in Cumbrian).
We then travelled up to visit brilliant old friends in the farthest north west of Oban with the long suffering Monty Dog (not Don) and home via other marvellous people;  car well used, human batteries now thoroughly recharged, hilarious conversation exhausted, and inspiration refreshed. The Seapink Gallery is a treasure trove to visit on Colonsay and I am delighted to sell mats with local views there and sea creatures there. That island is just dreamy and the weather was golden every day – such a treat this year of all years.  I hope you manage to get away too.

The order book is full and people have been wonderfully effusive over weddings and other celebration pottery. It is an honour to be a small part of your happiness.
Now back to the studio to join Rory who is throwing large dinnerplates expertly in the calm atmosphere with the very old dog snoring by the kilns ; the Christmas rush will be on us any moment!
 
Warm wishes from Fitzhead,

E info@nicolawerner.com
www.nicolawerner.com