Saturday 18 July 2009

Arts and Crafts stands at the Red House

There were about 20 artists and craftsmen invited to do this show and we were set up in slightly dodgy marquees in the garden of the house.The forecast had been for showers and wind. Well in the end we didn't have it too bad with the rain, but is was pretty windy and at times we weren't sure we wouldn't blow away! Here is part of Chris's stand with all his woodwork, metalwork and plasterwork. In the background is a textile worker. She made lovely scarves and corsages etc.Here is yours truly manning the other part of our stand. I think you can see the billowing sides of the marquee!And here is my significant other half. The organisers kept us going with cups of tea or coffee every now and then.A close up of one of Chris's jewellery boxes. The box is made of figured English Oak, the black wood is Bog Oak (Oak that has been in a peat bog and has naturally been stained black). The white wood is Holly, the fruits are Strawberry tree wood, the leaves are Cherry wood and the birds are Abalone.Chris in action, we're neither of us great at selling I'm afraid, but we do our best! (-:We loved this lady's work. She does paintings, linoprints and fabric collages. I think we bought one each of her entire stock of cards! (-: Here is her website if anyone is interested in taking a look www.anniesoudain.co.uk .Sorry this is such a rubbish photo. It was taken in a hurry (she was busy) and there is glare from the glass I'm afraid. It is a lovely print of an owl hunting in the woods. We might order one of these at some point off her website.This copper repousee work is by one of Chris's friends, Colin Pill.As you can see, Colin comes from Bristol which is just north of where we live. There was a great tradition of Arts and Crafts copper repousee work down in Cornwall around Newlyn at the turn of the last century. Colin is passionate about it all and has just written an excellent book on the subject. This is all his own work that he was showing on his stand.My last post on this Arts and Crafts weekend will be a bits and bobs one.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Jen,

Chris has an amazing talent which is obvious when you observe these photographs. Professional work of a very high quality.

Rural Rambler said...

Your hubby does some beautiful work. The jewelry boxes are absolutely stunning, the close up shows that so well. I loved that you told us all the woods he used. I really can't say enough about how beautiful it is.

Glad that the weather wasn't too hard on you and it is fun to see you this morning. I enjoy these posts that are in "parts"-always looking forward to the next one :)

Kelly said...

Ohh!! Beautiful. I love your husband's woodwork. Rick gave me a beautiful turned heart box handmade from rosewood when we were first married. Twenty-one years later it still sits on my desk--it's always just a foot or so away from the keyboard. There is something about beautiful handmade wood treasures. I have a wood jewelry box I bought about 5 years ago, but it's not as lovely as your hubby's! I don't think you need to be a good salesman to sell his stuff. It will sell itself. (I also really liked the copperwork!)

Jenny said...

Hi Roy, thanks for that. Much appreciated. His passion for his work sings out in the finished items I think. (I guess I'm biased!) (-:

Hi RR, glad you enjoy the posts in parts. It's mainly cos I take so many photo that I want to put in a post and if I put them all in one, it would go on forever! (-: I'm glad you like his work, thank you!

Hi Kelly, wood is very tactile I think and needs to be touched and enjoyed. I'm lucky in that I live with it around our home every single day. Sometimes I take it for granted I think, but doing a show and seeing others reactions always gives us both a fresh view.

Quiet Paths said...

You've been very busy. Matt and I used to sell at these shows for our music. I know how much work they are so I am very impressed. I was always exhausted after for a few days. I love that box of Chris'. What a magic he has with wood.

Eve said...

It was so nice seeing Chris and you out at your sale. What magnificent work. Anyone would be proud to own a piece of Chri's work! Just beautiful.

PS You look like me standing there with your hands in your pockets!!! That's what I would be doing!

Mary said...

Chris's boxes are so beautiful and so much work in them. I hope he did well at the show. I like those prints, too...can see why you would buy all the cards. Great shots of both of you, too!

Jenny said...

Hi Christine, yes neither Chris nor myself find it easy to sell or chat even! (-: His talent is pretty special I think!

Hi Evie, I'm a terrible hands in pockets person! (-: I feel lucky to live with his work all around us from day to day!

Hi Mary, if you looked at her website, her flower ones dont 'do it' for me as much as her birdy ones (of course!) (-: I love the style she uses in those ones.

Dog Trot Farm said...

What lovely craftsmanship, your hubby is very talented. I hope you had a profitable weekend.

Jenny said...

Hi Julie, thanks. We've a possibility of a commission coming from it, but we'll only count that bridge when the egg has hatched. Have it mixed my metaphors there?
(-: