Some of Himeji's Architecture

For a long time I have been interested in the architecture of Tadao Ando and Eiji kindly took me to see three of his buildings in Himeji City. This one is the Municipal Children's Science Museum where children can stay overnight to use the observatory. Ando's buildings are rather stark but his use of concrete is really rather beautiful.

More from Shosha

A single image of a Buddha from the many that Shimizu Kosho has produced. The large Bizen pot was out in the garden. I do not know who made it but someone may recognize the marks on the shoulder.

The Shosha Art and Craft Museum, Himeji City

There were numerous sculptures around the gardens at Shosha and this quite lovely restaurant building. The display is of Buddha figures by Shimizu Kosho who was (and probably still is) the Head Abbot at the Todaiaji Temple in Nara. Shimizu Kosho is a wonderful calligrapher, carver and potter and was one of our supporters when Fujii Sensei, Estelle and I had our exhibition in Osaka in 1984. We first saw his work on our visit to Japan in 1978.

In Japan

From Kansai Airport I took the train to Himeji City to meet my friend Eiji Watanabe.
The castle was, and still is, under wraps as they are repairing and refurbishing this lovely icon. We went out to the Shosha Art and Craft Museum. I am standing by the bamboo grove that has the following statement on their brochure: "Lured by a refreshing breeze through the bamboo grove, you will experience a delightful and inspiring encounter."

The End of the UK Stage of My Trip

From Lisa's we traveled through the lovely English countryside back to Mike and Annie's. The next morning involved a very early start and having to scrape the frost off the car windshield. I felt sorry for Mike and Annie. They were so good to me, taking me back to Heathrow in time for my early morning Air France flight and making sure I was at the right terminal in plenty of time for my check-in. Dawn was breaking while I was waiting to board my flight to Japan.

Another of Lisa's Pots

A large pot by Lisa Hammond from her recent firing. The gallery has been built to be in keeping with the old parts of the complex. I loved the very large beam cut from the trunk of an old oak tree. We could not spend much time with Lisa as we were on our way back to Clydesdale in Lyndhurst - quite a journey from St Ives in one day.

On the Way Back from St Ives

On the way back from St Ives to Mike and Annie's we called again on Lisa Hammond to see the results of her firing. She was pleased with most of the work and was busy packing pots for an outlet or exhibition when we arrived. As it was the first time she had fired this kiln the results were really very good.

Leaving St Ives

Although I have many more pictures of St Ives these will be the last two I will post on this blog. The town is such a pretty place it is sad to leave. The headland is at the other end of the beach from the one shown in my last blog and the image with the apartments and houses is one shown frequently but gives a good last impression of St Ives.

Bernard Leach Tiles

On my last posting I mentioned Bernard's tiles on an artist friend's grave and thought I should put a picture of them on this blog. Usually Bernard's tiles are only seen as singles when, I'm sure many were made as groups for fire place surrounds and the like. The rugged Cornish coast looks peaceful on a calm day but has claimed many lives when it is stormy.

Views around St Ives

Old cemeteries are always interesting especially those like this one at St Ives. Many young fisher-men were drowned around this very rugged coast and there is even a grave site covered with tiles made by Bernard Leach for an artist friend who was drowned while out fishing.

Small Pottery Workshops in St Ives

There is a small group of pottery workshops called the Lemon Centre in St Ives. Sarah Dunstan was the only potter there at the time. Her work was somewhat different and very competent. I wish some of the other potters had been around to talk to. The centre was sponsored by John Bedding and seemed to have living quarters as well as workshops.

More Pots in John's Gallery

The decorated slab pot is by Sam Hall and was being shown at John's Lemon Street Gallery at St Ives. The lovely large Shigaraki pot was also being shown there. I did not inquire whether it was for sale or just for display. Either way I could not have carried it home with me as much as I might have liked too.

John Bedding's Gallery, St Ives

As well as having a lovely home with lots of wonderful artefacts John ran a beautiful gallery containing some of his own work as well as other very good artists. This tall "Blade" shaped pot is one of Johns. He made lots of different shapes with texture and colours that were quite unusual.
David has corrected my earlier posting of the archival picture of Bernard Leach holding court by the fireplace. The caption should read: Bernard Leach (centre) in front of the corner fireplace at The Leach Pottery discussing the finer points of making a jug with Mary Gibson Horrocks (left) Valerie Bond and David Leach, 1947. (Leach Archive)

Moving on from The Leach Pottery

These slab- built pots are by Peter Swanson and they reminded me of those that I used to make. I'm not sure if Peter was part of the Leach Pottery or an invited guest. Moving on from The Leach Pottery we wander through some more lovely cobbled streets in St Ives to go to John Bedding's Gallery.

Some of Bernard's Pots

Here are just two of Bernard's pots that were on show at the gallery. There were a number of others as well as some tiles and drawings. It is a lovely place to visit and not to be missed if you are in SW England