Sven Bayer's Sheepwash Pottery

It was lovely to meet Svend and see his workshop, kilns and pots. He was building a very large East Asian type anagama of a type I had not seen before and it will be interesting to see if his work changes when he has a firing. I will show you some of his pots next time.

Devon Countryside

When I was in England last October the Devon countryside was like the top image which was taken at Svend Bayer's pottery at Sheepwash. About six weeks later the snows came and the second image was taken at Shebbear Pottery by Rosie Bowen and sent to me. I was so lucky with the weather right throughout my trip with only two wet days and lovely mild autumn temperatures.

A Large Pot and Old Slate Roof Tiles

This lovely large pot of Clives was waiting to be fired and I wonder what sort of decoration he may put on it. Before I left I visited their toilet and couldn't resist photographing these moss covered roof tiles out the window. I was reading recently about words and names and it would seem that these tiles would be "Collyweston" slate from a now abandoned Devon quarry. The word also means such things as 'nonsense'; 'out of square'; 'askew'; 'crooked', 'not straight or level'; or even meaning 'in the opposite direction'. I wonder why it got all these meanings?

A Couple of Clive's Pieces

I hope Clive doesn't mind me showing these pieces - I did not ask but just took a couple of photos of some of his things that were around. His work was mainly very practical and useful domestic wares. Being in the old English earthenware and slip decorated tradition, they reminded me very much of Michael Cardew's early work.

Kilns at Clive Bowans

Clive had at least one other kiln but this old bee-hive kiln was fascinating - I have always wanted to build a round kiln. The flue was multi-purpose and, I think, served all of Clive's kilns.

Clive in His Workshop

Clive is a very well respected traditional English slip-ware potter making a wonderful selection of very usable table-wares. Clive and his wife Rosie live in an old but very lovely stone cottage but, as I did not want to intrude on their privacy, I refrained from taking photos of its interior. Rosie was busy preserving autumn produce and the aroma of quince being cooked was just wonderful.

On the Way to Clive Bowen

It was great to travel through the winding lanes on our way to Clive's Shebbear Pottery. In New Zealand there are no tree-lined lanes like in England and I would hate to have to travel them regularly. David had a SatNav so was able to find his was quite easily. Essential equipment for such places.