23-25 June 2017
More than 140 of the best UK and European ceramicists and potters are heading to The Harley Gallery on the Welbeck estate in Nottinghamshire this summer (23-25 June 2017) as it hosts the ‘Earth and Fire International Ceramic Fair’ (Earth&Fire) for the first time.
Earth and Fire is one of the UK’s top ceramic events and presents the very best studio pottery within the hustle and bustle of a traditional market. Selling everything from garden planters and sculptures, to bowls, teapots, mugs, plates and egg cups; Earth & Fire will have thousands of one-off, handmade ceramics on display from artists such as Svend Bayer, Robin Welch, David & Margaret Frith, Hannah McAndrew, Doug Fitch and Sigi Boehmer.
The fair is taking place in Welbeck’s artist studio complex and within the Victorian walled kitchen garden. Earth and Fire enables visitors to talk directly to the potters to find out how a piece was made, its inspiration, and perhaps to buy their own piece of handmade pottery.
“It’s a great opportunity to see some of the best ceramics being made in the UK, Europe and even further afield. Earth and Fire is a perfect for everyone who values the skill and beauty of the handmade – it’s a riot of colour, scale and form, and a celebration of all things clay,” says Sue Cullen at Earth and Fire.
As well as the busy market, The Harley Pottery Studio is hosting a demonstration programme to give an insight into the skills and processes of expert potters. The programme includes Richard Heeley who will be showing how he decorates his fragile porcelain; Anna Mercedes Wear who will be demonstrating how she makes her quirky animal sculptures; and Svend Bayer who will be describing the building of his massive new kiln. Specialist trade stands selling tools and equipment will also be on hand.
Earth and Fire International Ceramic Fair will be open from 10am to 5pm daily, entrance is £5 and free parking is available.
Earth & Fire is the latest addition to the roster of art-related organisations and artists at Welbeck – the estate is home to a community of more than 20 artists’ studios. On site, visitors can also find The Harley Gallery’s changing programme of contemporary art exhibitions alongside masterpieces from the Portland Collection gallery, assembled by the Dukes of Portland over 400 years and including works by Michelangelo and Van Dyke.
Alongside Earth and Fire, Welbeck will be hosting a food market. Dozens of producers of high quality regional produce have been carefully selected by the award winning Welbeck Farm Shop. Producers showing their wares in the Courtyard include Stichelton cheese, Welbeck Abbey Brewery and many more.
For more information visit: www.harleygallery.co.uk.
