Experience ‘living breathing culture’ at Doddington Hall’s Summer of Ceramics

A collection of ceramics gathered over 300 years has gone on display for the first time at Lincolnshire’s historic Doddington Hall.

The Lincolnite was invited for a first-look tour of the Summer of Ceramics exhibition, which opens to the public on Saturday, July 27.

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Included in the engaging programme is talks, tours and demonstrations from leading artists, makers and ceramics experts.

Visitors of all ages will also be able to enjoy a number of free events, like getting hands on with clay.

See the full activities schedule here. 

The festival features an exhibition of Doddington Hall’s extraordinary collection – including continental and English porcelain alongside the 20th Century British Studio pottery collection of Antony Jarvis with pieces by world-famous ceramicists including Edmund de Waal and Gordon Baldwin – alongside an exhibition of international and national ceramicists, staged in The Stable Yard Galleries.

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

There will be workshops, tours and hands-on sessions for all the family led by Lincolnshire artists and by Top Potters from the BBC’s Great Pottery Throw Down.

The summer long series will last until September 8.

Claire Birch. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Claire Birch, current owner and guardian of the Hall, said: “We’re proud to celebrate a Summer of Ceramics at Doddington by welcoming international and national ceramicists.

“Major exhibitions, tours, talks and demonstrations will bring the house and our extraordinary collection to life for this 300th anniversary.”

The Hall

Inside the Hall, visitors will discover Doddington’s ceramics collection curated by Rebecca Blackwood.

The Edwin Jarvis collection of largely English ceramics will be presented with special displays of Torksey Pottery – an early 19th century factory established by William Billingsley who, unlike his contemporaries, painted from real life – and the extensive collection of 20th century British Studio pottery collected by Claire’s father, Antony Jarvis.

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Curator Rebecca Blackwood. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

There will also be pieces from world-famous ceramicists with Lincolnshire connections including Edmund de Waal and Gordon Baldwin.

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Rebecca Blackwood told The Lincolnite: “It has been fantastic to learn the stories of the collectors and their worlds through the ceramics.

“Antony Jarvis began a lifelong interest in ceramics in 1963 and his collection includes signature styles and abstract designs.

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

“There is also a collection of political works from James Birch, whose father was a diplomat for a time in Asia. That includes fascinating pieces, Chinese ceramics and foot high scenes of oppressed workers.

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

“People can also expect to see collections from the famous Torksey pottery.

“It’s great to be able to tell stories that will have a lot of resonance even today, and in the informal setting of Doddington Hall. It’s not intimidating like some museums and galleries can be.”

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

The Stable Yard Galleries

Curator Preston Fitzgerald. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

In these Galleries curator Preston Fitzgerald will showcase renowned national and international makers at the frontier of ceramic design. Exhibits include decorative, functional, sculptural, figurative, abstract and artisan pottery as well as larger collection pieces available to buy.

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Exhibitors include Freya Bramble-Carter, James Faulkner, Ryan Barrett and Rafaela de Ascanio. There will also be a selection of work showcasing Lincolnshire ceramicists curated by Susanna Gorst of Lincolnshire Wolds based Oxcombe Pottery.

Formal and Walled Gardens

Visitors will encounter installations throughout the formal and walled gardens.

Workshops, talks and masterclasses

Workshops, talks and masterclasses will give people the chance to have a go at new activities including handling clay, throwing a pot and painting ceramics with commissioned artists and makers. There will also be the opportunity to learn about both contemporary and historic ceramics with national and international experts.

Dates for workshops, talks and tours can be found on the website.

Doddington Hall and Gardens will be open Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays, 12noon – 4.30pm. The gardens open at 11am and last admission is at 3.30pm. Admission applies.

The Stable Yard Galleries will be open daily 10am-4pm and entry is free of charge.
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