John Leach Pottery

John is the son of David and Bernard Leach's grandson,. He welcomed David and myself to his Muchelney Pottery and we had a very pleasant time looking at his kilns, facilities and Gallery in Somerset. (www.johnleachpottery.co.uk) His work is all high fired in a three chambered, wood fired kiln and comes with a distinctive 'toasted' finish. More pictures to come.

Wells City

A comment from Hollis saying how lovely it was in the city of Wells made me think that these two images may confirm his opinion. Unfortunately we did not have time to explore and these pictures were take while walking from the car park to the Cathedral. The old houses and the streets were all beautifully kept and very clean.

Nearby Wells Cathedral

I am not sure of the date that this Medieval gate was built but I am sure that many many interesting historical characters have passed through it. The moat was lovely and actually gave a very calming effect before we entered the Cathedral.

Interior of Wells Cathedral

The ceilings and stained glass at Wells Cathedral were breathtaking and have to be seen to be believed. I would like to show more pictures of this Cathedral but my journey is only about the half-way stage and so, except for a couple of images of the city, I must keep moving along.

Cathedral at Wells

This plaque giving the dates of the construction of Wells Cathedral shows its amazingly early beginnings. The scissor arches were apparently a first for this type of support for such a large structure. They were very beautiful.

Wells Cathedral

The pattern of chimneys at the Vicar's Close was fascinating - no earthquakes here. The front of the Wells Cathedral was very beautiful but it has not always been like this. David sent me some pictures showing this view when the two towers were not built and, I guess, before the Reformation, when the frontage was gilded and painted in very bright colours. The BBC has just shown a programme called "Romancing the Stone, The Golden Age of British Sculpture" and the first programme was centred around Wells Cathedral.

Setting out to go to St Ives

We are off to St Ives! David Binch of Oakwood Gallery (oakwood.gallery@btinternet.com) collected me from Mike and Annie's place and we set off through the New Forest, our first stop being Wells. Please indulge me in my interest in another cathedral but our visits to four potters before reaching Cornwall should be interesting for you. We visit Johnny Leach, Clive Bowen, Svend Bayer and Lisa Hammond before reaching St Ives.