Monday 15 April 2013

Harrogate BCTF was a marvelous show this year - I had my usual sunny stand near the centre aisle and had the advantage of Kara coming to help me set up and carry stuff.  We treated ourselves to all our favourite things at Bettys afterwards.  The Kimberley Hotel was very comfortable with lots of TV stations and room service.
I took many more orders at the show than last year - hard to say exactly why and most unexpected given the general retail climate.  I was particularly pleased that my ceramic people were well received.
This year I concentrated on buying sustainable craft - buying Joanna Coupland's vegetarian taxidermy animal heads made from tissue and wire and incorporating vintage spectacles, fabric and scarves.  She won the 'WOW' factor award - richly deserved!
I also bought some of Richard Shaw's work again.  He uses recycled tin and wood to make Alfred Wallis inspired seascapes with whales and boats and rows of little wonky cornish cottages.
I needed a reasonably priced range of jewellery and look forward to getting Dee Barne's custom made map pieces shortly, featuring recycled maps of Cornwall around St Just.
I found an new maker called Clare Ashton whose range of printed felt books and lampshades which make a fantastic addition to the gallery.  Giving further fuel to  my obsession with felt we are now stocking Lindsey Tyson/s gorgeous felt pebbles printed with ammonites which can be used decoratively or as pin cushions.

Lesley Nason's understated and detailed ceramic wall pieces have also arrived depicting hares and sheep in the landscape with subtle oxides and glazes.
So although it was an exhausting few days the gallery is looking brilliant and we are truly ready for a busy summer season!
I just have to make and send all those orders before Open Studios at the end of May.....