Craft In Focus is returning to Waterperry Gardens with two events – a Celebrating Ceramics Festival and a Desire Jewellery and Silversmithing Fair. It will be a fabulous day out with top-class makers in stunning surroundings, writes Arts Editor TRISH LEE, look out for Newbury’s Katherine Kingdon with her Fatbelly Pots and jeweller Loucinda Nims with her silverware.
Set against the backdrop of Waterperry House, these events will take place from July 11-13. One ticket will give admission to both events allowing visitors to meet, engage with and purchase from more than 200 skilled exhibitors.
Book by July 7 and save on the entry price. All tickets must be booked in advance.
Held in semi open-sided marquees adjacent to the beautiful grounds of Waterperry Gardens, these fairs will showcase a diverse array of makers from the world of contemporary ceramics and feature some of the UK’s premier contemporary silversmiths and independent jewellery makers working in various media.
Visit the Desire Jewellery & Silversmithing Fair to discover and purchase stunning contemporary jewellery and exquisite silverware. Exhibitors have been selected for their superb and innovative designs and craftsmanship as well as outstanding quality and are all independent professional makers. Anyone celebrating a special occasion – maybe a birthday or anniversary – may also like to speak to the makers about commissioning bespoke pieces of jewellery or silverware. Several visitors in the past have commissioned engagement or wedding rings at the event and, by collaborating with the designer maker, have been able to have input into the design and produce something that means so much more and is completely individual. Many of the makers will also be happy to speak about remodelling inherited jewellery to give it a more contemporary feel.
The Celebrating Ceramics Festival offers visitors the opportunity to see the best in contemporary ceramics – all with the ‘wow’ factor. Visitors can purchase directly from these ceramic artists, many of whom will showcase their skills through live demonstrations giving an insight into the techniques involved with working with clay and creating the pieces on display. And don’t miss the Make Mine Miniature display – a competition for exhibitors to make a unique miniature piece which is a true representation of their work.
A visit will make an interesting and fun day out for all ages and will include an exciting selection of food, drink, and live music.
Within the Waterperry Estate, there’s a museum, playground, tea shop, plant centre and garden shop, gallery, and gift shop.
It’s a fabulous day out for everyone. Those that wish to visit the stunning landscaped ornamental gardens at Waterperry will discover a magical place with beautiful trees, shrubs and flowers, classical borders, modern planting, secret corners, and long vistas, not forgetting the waterlily canal and arboretum.
Advance booking required. For further information and to book tickets visit www.craftinfocus.com
Waterperry Gardens is near Wheatley, Oxford (OX33 1LA).
