Up-coming article…

I’m delighted that I have an article to be published about the work at Woodrow First School (see below – November 23, 2015), in the summer 2017 edition of Primary Geography. I will be sending out new leaflets about the work I can offer to schools in the new year….. It would be great to have the chance to do this kind of work again.

Looking at the tiles and thinking back on the discussions we had about the importance of shelter – it is clear to me that reflection on core human “needs” (shelter, water, air, food – and care / love – call it what you will) – is absolutely vital in education. The children have so much empathy, interest and concern – for other people, and for wildlife. When that is combined with work that develops analysis & critical thinking (along the lines of Bloom’s Taxonomy – e.g. see for one interpretation) with the ability to react – and actually do something, then there is not only the development of knowledge and understanding, but also some empowerment as well. We can make a difference – and be part of the solution, not just part of the problem.

Version 3

Film Night Success

The Isaac Button Country Potter film night proved to be a wonderful evening. Over 110 people came along, many bringing pots and stories, memories….connections. It was a real testimony to the man and his craft, graft and personality. Tales of collecting pots via tram and wheelbarrow, a specially made “button pot” where a slot allowed the purchaser to pop in a button to an otherwise sealed Button jar, the unbelievable challenges faced by those trying to save Soil Hill Pottery for posterity, the pots Isaac made for a young student to decorate for a project towards his Fine Art degree…. John Hudson gave a fascinating and inspiring talk at the end of the film – giving the perfect background and local perspective to the film and setting things in context. Given that the film is without sound-track – for those new to it – this was invaluable. And poetry too from Graham Mort. Thanks to everyone who came from far and wide.

Sadly – on an earlier walk up on Soil Hill – I saw that the kiln, was still standing when I visited last in 2015 (albeit with partial roof collapse) is now flattened. So much for “listed” status!

Isaac,

Bones under winds’ keening,

The drenched burial place

Over-cried by curlews.

 

Soil Hill

An atrocity of moorland,

Roof sagging, kiln crumbling,

Carcase that gales fast on.

 

This cider jar

Still brimming with darkness

From his touch.

 

From, A Halifax Cider Jar

by Graham Mort

Special screening of Isaac Button Country Potter

We are showing the beautiful, evocative film Isaac Button Country Potter at a special film night at Dean Clough, Halifax on Wednesday 23rd November 2016 – starting at 7.30 PM (gathering around 7 PM)….. Filmed between 1964 and 1965 by John Anderson and Robert Fournier, we will be showing the full film in best digital format, on loan from the Yorkshire Film Archive. It should be a great evening, with John Hudson a potter from Mirfield (with huge knowledge and experience of the local ceramic traditions in the area – and beyond), coming along to say a few words and a chance for those gathered to share their own stories / connections. We have invited artists, potters, farmers, teachers / headteachers, lecturers, bakers, archaeologists….. hoping they will come along to explore the links between them all on the night.

RSVP please to let us know how many might be coming along – rbrakspear@phonecoop.coop

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Button brick (from Soil Hill) with details of film night……

Next steps

I’m just preparing to get started with new work. It’s an interesting time, because I want to develop two strands; one focused on my investigations of place linked to landscape / environment and the way that clay and ceramics fit with the local economy (bakeries, dairying, brick / tile works, places to eat and drink… etc.). as well as at a domestic scale, with a second strand focusing on making functional forms – particularly those linked to making bread and serving food and drink.

The big challenge is sourcing material and processing it in any meaningful amount – hence the need to think about the two strands….. I’ll be heading out to talk to farmers and quarries again soon – but also I’ll be heading back to Stoke to talk with some of the clay manufactures to see what fits best with my commitment to source clay that is as local to me or to the project I am working on as possible.

Lost and Found show open at Dean Clough, Halifax….. and don’t miss the Isaac Button Film night!

Thanks to everyone who came along to Dean Clough in Halifax for the opening of the Autumn / Winter shows – including my show in the Link Gallery; Lost and Found (which now runs through to January 22nd 2017). It was great to see many of the people who helped me with the project; Mick – who let me dig his clay, Aaron and Victoria – who let me photograph their favourite baking bowl, John – whose knowledge for ceramics / pots and their uses over time with a connection to food is an inspiration……. It was great to have family and friends there (thanks for making the journey you all). I am also very grateful to Vic Allen at Dean Clough for giving me the opportunity at DC and to the Yorkshire Film Archive (YFA) for agreeing to lease me the wonderful Isaac Button photographs taken by John Anderson in 1964…..

And on this…. We are hosting a film night on Wednesday 23rd November (7.30 pm) to show Isaac Button Country Potter by John Anderson and Robert Fournier (1965), which we have also leased from the YFA – who have been incredibly helpful and supportive to this end. If you would like to come along – do let us know.