For the love of clay (part 2)
17 Apr 08, 20:49
Above expectations
I suppose I could be classed as biased but mum's shop is great. She will make speciality items in any style, glaze types and glaze patterns (the coloured bits). She has made me various pieces of historically accurate mugs, cups, jugs and cooking vessels for my 17th century re-enactment which apart from seeing them in museums are almost impossible to obtain anywhere else. The shops is not as cutesy as the above description - it is a place of industry and has given a new (for the past 30 years at least) lease of life to a Victorian coach house while keeping it's original aesthetic. The cards and toys are also great. I have also noted over the years that her range of cards is as good as places like Paperchase but are significantly cheaper and it is the place i go to first when I need any cards. Enjoy - it is a great place to shop.
For the Love of Clay
16 Apr 08, 17:17
Above expectations
You could be forgiven for expecting elves or gnomes to be at the pottery wheel of this adorable little cottage-in-the-wood shop near Victoria Park. But the craftsman potter is Caroline Bousfield, and she's rather tall. And speckled with clay. The place is enchanting; she is very personable; and the pieces of useable art such as mugs and plates and beautiful little pitchers are one-off treasures that make wonderful gifts. I went in for an "I Love Hackney" mug, one of her specialty items. She has a wide selection of museum quality greeting cards, as well, and some fun old-fashioned toys. If you're in the park flying your kite on a Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday or Saturday, be sure to pop in. You are bound to find a sweet gift and you can see the artist in action. It's a joy to feel as if she's handing you a piece of work right from the kiln.
