July 2019
News Release
Summer of Ceramics set for Lincolnshire’s Doddington Hall
Lincolnshire’s historic Doddington Hall is hosting a Summer of Ceramics, opens on 27 July with exhibitions of contemporary art presented alongside its extraordinary ceramics collection gathered over 300 years. There will be new displays and tours, talks and demonstrations from leading artists, makers and ceramics experts.
The festival includes an exhibition of Doddington Hall’s extraordinary collection – including continental and English porcelain alongside the 20th Century British Studio pottery collection of Antony Jarvis with pieces by world-famous ceramicists including Edmund de Waal and Gordon Baldwin – alongside an exhibition of international and national ceramicists, staged in The Stable Yard Galleries. There will be workshops, tours and hands-on sessions for all the family led by Lincolnshire artists and by Top Potters from the BBC’s Great Pottery Throw Down.
The summer long series will lasts until 8 September.
Current owner and guardian of the Hall, Claire Birch, said: “We’re proud to celebrate a Summer of Ceramics at Doddington by welcoming international and national ceramicists. Major exhibitions, tours, talks and demonstrations will bring the house and our extraordinary collection to life for this 300th anniversary.”
The Hall
Inside the Hall, visitors will discover Doddington’s ceramics collection curated by Rebecca Blackwood. The Edwin Jarvis collection of largely English ceramics will be presented with special displays of Torksey Pottery – an early 19th century factory established by William Billingsley who, unlike his contemporaries, painted from real life – and the extensive collection of 20th century British Studio pottery collected by Claire’s father, Antony Jarvis. There will also be pieces from world-famous ceramicists with Lincolnshire connections including Edmund de Waal and Gordon Baldwin.
The Stable Yard Galleries
In these Galleries curator Preston Fitzgerald will showcase renowned national and international makers at the frontier of ceramic design. Exhibits include decorative, functional, sculptural, figurative, abstract and artisan pottery as well as larger collection pieces available to buy. Exhibitors include Freya Bramble-Carter, James Faulkner, Ryan Barrett and Rafaela de Ascanio. There will also be a selection of work showcasing Lincolnshire ceramicists curated by Susanna Gorst of Lincolnshire Wolds based Oxcombe Pottery.
Formal and Walled Gardens
Visitors will encounter installations throughout the formal and walled gardens.
Workshops, talks and masterclasses
Workshops, talks and masterclasses will give people the chance to have a go at new activities including handling clay, throwing a pot and painting ceramics with commissioned artists and makers. There will also be the opportunity to learn about both contemporary and historic ceramics with national and international experts.
Dates for workshops, talks and tours can be found here.
Summer of Ceramics runs from 27 July to 8 September. Doddington Hall and Gardens will be open Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays, 12noon – 4.30pm. The gardens open at 11am and last admission is at 3.30pm. Admission applies. The Stable Yard Galleries will be open daily 10am-4pm and entry is free of charge.
Ends
Notes to editors:
- Doddington Hall was designed in 1595 by Robert Smythson, one of England’s foremost Elizabethan architects. It was completed in 1600 and has never been sold or cleared since. An example of a fine late Elizabethan mansion, it is still a lived-in and much-loved family home, and alive with history and interest.
- In 2006, Antony and Victoria Jarvis passed Doddington Hall to their eldest daughter Claire, and her husband James Birch. Claire and James are now the latest generation to enjoy the role of ‘guardian’ to Doddington Hall. The original walled courtyards enclose formal gardens, whilst beyond the walls are wild gardens and nature walks.
- Doddington Hall Conservation Charity (charity number: 1114539) was founded in 2006 with the aim to conserve and enhance the natural and historical environment of Doddington Hall, Gardens and the wider Estate for the enjoyment and education of thousands of visitors now and in the future. Every penny spent at Doddington Hall and the estate contributes to the future of the house as all profits are ploughed back into the estate and helps maintain and conserve the house and its contents.
- Doddington Hall is home to a restaurant, which in April achieved the Restaurant of the Year title in the acclaimed Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards. The estate is also home to an award-winning Farm Shop as well as home and clothing store, bike shop, and café. Doddington was also deemed an award-winning wedding venue by the Taste of Excellence.
- Summer of Ceramics is funded by Arts Council England and is supported by Brewin Dolphin.
- Thanks to our partners The Usher Gallery, Lincoln and Crafts Council for lending us ceramic art works for the exhibition in the Hall.
- Thanks to our curators Rebecca Blackwood (Of Many Circles), Preston Fitzgerald and Susanna Gorst for their enthusiastic curation.
- Thanks to the artists for their extraordinary skill and works of art.
- The images we have reproduced are by kind permission of the Summer of Ceramics artists and their photographers. We are very grateful for their support.
- For media enquiries about this news release please call Lynsey Woods, Marketing Manager on 01522 812517 or our curator Rebecca Blackwood on 0797498 2435. Further details can be found at doddingtonhall.com
