Potters show off their skills at annual fair

A RUINED abbey provides the setting for this year’s Earth And Fire International Ceramic Fair.

The free event, which begins tomorrow and runs until Sunday from 10am to 5pm, features potters and ceramicists from around the world.

It is the only regional ceramic fair of its kind and is organised by Rufford Craft Centre and held at Rufford Abbey Country Park.

A celebration of clay in all its forms, Earth And Fire marks its 18th birthday this year.

There is a full programme of demonstrations and campus stands showcasing the next generation of potters and trade stands selling tools of the trade.

Among the exhibitors are local potters from Nottinghamshire and others from Ireland, the Netherlands, Germany, Australia and South Africa.

Visitors will be able to meet and talk to the potters who will sell everything from garden planters and sculptures, to bowls, pie dishes, teapots, mugs, plates and egg cups.

Ceramicist Rachel Wood, from Mansfield, has attended the fair for the last four years, and sees it as a key date in the calendar for the industry.

She said: “In the early days I was managing my ceramic work part-time and working full-time as an arts officer with a district council.

“I made the decision about five years ago to go full-time thinking that it was now or never and it has proved to be the best decision I could have made.”

Rachel Wood Ceramics was launched and despite the economic climate she is finding the business is going well.

Rachel is based at the Harley Gallery in Worksop on the Welbeck Estate and also runs weekly workshops at Rufford Abbey Craft Centre with members of the public.

She specialises in a range of ceramics thrown on the wheel and more recently has ventured into coiling and pinching techniques.

Suet Yi Yip, a graduate from Nottingham Trent University, makes her debut at the fair.

This is her first year as a potter having quit her job in Hong Kong to come and study in the UK for her second degree.

During this time she met Nottingham potter Katrin Moye who offered her part-time work over the holiday where her love for ceramics began to grow and she began to make and sell her own ceramics.

Suet, whose work is inspired by nature and children, said: “Fortunately, my ceramics have gained a lot of good comments. The selling experience gave me confidence in having a business on my own.

“To set up a studio by myself was a big step and also a big risk to take.”