06 February 2007

BRIDGEWATER - pottery cafe

as a birthday treat i went to the pottery cafe in fulham to paint some bridgewater pieces. the painting takes place in the studio next door to the shop and is open to the public (it gets busy so you need to book in advance). i painted three mugs and a couple of egg cups in the warm and friendly atmosphere where you can spend as long as you want. there is a whole wall of blank bridgewater biscuitware to which you can help yourself at any time. all the items are priced (for example a mug is £10.75) and all brushes, sponges and paints are provided in a studio fee of £5.50. this also includes the cost of glazing & kiln firing which is done for you by staff. to save time i planned my designs before i went but for those uncertain there is a reference library of books including emma's own book. if you are in the UK its a terrific day out. here are some of my photos... top, drawing in pencil first for the flower motif, then large shelves of blanks, and above left the trademark bridgewater mug shape.
above designs planned on paper first, reference book, and paints. below paint palette & sponges.
below my finished mug before firing and signing the base.

above all set and ready to go off to the kiln. finished results tommorow.

7 comments:

IMEDAGOZE said...

Great job, bowie! they look so perfect, I wouldn't guess they're actually hand painted.

Lesley Todd said...

I like your design better than those in the shop :-)

Anonymous said...

What Lesley said...yours is much nicer than the shop-bought ones. I love these DIY ceramic shops - such fun!

Anonymous said...

What a great idea! Love your designs.

IMEDAGOZE said...

I forgot to say something to you earlier, Happy belated Birthday, bowie! :)

Heather Moore said...

Yay, lucky us - we get to see one of Bowie's designs! What a great way to spend your birthday.

Anonymous said...

Love your design! And thanks for the tip - coming through London in October so I hope to have a day there with hubby in tow! :-)