This region of England is distinctive for its clay. Potters have dug clay here for centuries and still do. Come and see the work of some of the most exciting ceramic artists working in Britain today. People like Clive Bowen, Svend Bayer, Philip Leach, Lorraine Ditchburn, David Cleverly and Eleanor Bartleman - we have some of their wonderful pieces here in the house - and a host of other people, including our own village potter David Westcott (pictured bottom left) who makes fine and distinctive earthenware pottery which fills our house and could easily feature in yours.
Considering its small size (less than 200 people live here) our village of Welcombe is an extraordinary place for arts and crafts designers and makers who open up their studios to the public several times a year. This Welcombe Open Studios initiative was spearheaded by the Pacha Design partnership, makers of fine contemporary furniture and accessories using locally sourced reclaimed slate , metal and wood who are now becoming internationally known. At least 10 other artists exhibit during Open Studios, all within walking distance of each other. A fine way to spend a leisurely day. If you would your like your visit to coincide with an Open Studios event let us know and we can give you details.
The village of Appledore has a remarkable contemporary Arts and Crafts Co-operative featuring the work of the very best local makers. Appledore also runs an annual Arts Festival in early June and a Literary Festival between 25 September-3 October.
The nearby town of Bideford has a fine art gallery and is architecturally outstanding having examples of historic buildings spanning Elizabethan to Deco periods. The Burton Gallery is currently exhibiting a Howard Hodgkin Prints show (until 10 June), and the Royal Society of Painters-Printmakers Annual Exhibition 2011 will follow between 18 June -25 July. Bideford’s historic Pannier Market has small rented studios as well as weekly and monthly Farmers’ markets. Also at the top of the town are several antique shops you might like to browse.
Come to visit us and experience the hitherto missing link in the 'arts and crafts chain' stretching along the South West's northern trail, from Bath in Somerset, through the coastal towns and villages of North Devon/Cornwall, down to St. Ives.