Journal

Hazel Catkins
Our new Bowl will be launched this Thursday at 6pm.
If you are on the mailing list, look out for the special invitation.........
This spring, the Hazel Catkins have been spectacular, with thousands of blooms swaying in the breeze along the roadsides and hedgerows of the North York Moors. Catkins are the male flowers of the hazel tree, and each tail is made up of hundreds of tiny individual flowers, bursting with yellow pollen.
Since insects are scarce at this time of year, the hazel tree relies on the wind to pollinate its flowers, carrying pollen on the breeze to help produce those wonderful hazelnuts in autumn.
The name Catkin comes from the Dutch word katteken, meaning "kitten," as the flowers resemble fluffy kitten tails. They’re also known as lamb’s tails, a name more closely linked to the arrival of spring.

Pyramid Gallery York - Group Exhibition
Pyramid Gallery, a specialist gallery on York’s Stonegate, also celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, marking three decades of supporting and showcasing the finest British craftspeople.
As part of its celebrations, the gallery is hosting a special exhibition of art glass.
This exhibition, from 22 March to 11 May, will include unique landscape pieces by Stephen and Kate.
It's a great exhibition of Art Glass by many makers.
North Yorkshire Open Studios
For the first time in a few years we are joining the NYOS weekends.
7th-8th & 14th-15th June 2025
10am - 5pm
"An annual event enabling artists and makers to open their studios. With studios located across the county, from the remote hills of the Upper Dales to the suburban streets of Harrogate, across the Vale of York to the rural North York Moors and Coast, visitors have the opportunity to visit unique and varied artist venues, surrounded by stunning North Yorkshire landscapes."
It's a great opportunity to find makers and artists in the Moors and beyond.

Signs of Spring
After a short walk around the village I feel uplifted by the signs of spring are becoming more obvious. Rosedale that bit further north and at 400ft above sea level is always behind in springs bounty.

Thank You
Many thanks to everyone who gave a heart bowl a home. We were delighted and a bit shocked at the speed with which they went. We really appreciate it.
The last heart bowl orders are leaving us tomorrow to arrive on Friday 7th.
Our lovely postie comes to collect orders twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays.

30th Anniversary Release - The Heart Bowl
In celebration of our 30th Anniversary here at Gillies Jones we are revisiting one of our early favourites.
The Heart Bowl.
Differing from our previous design, this bowl has been reworked and engraved on both the inside and outside surface of the bowl.
Available in many different colours and opacities. There are an infinite number of lip wrap combinations and a bowl we are confident will look incredible in your home.
Each bowl will be engraved on the foot with our 30th Year.
We really hope you love them.
Available to order online from 6pm Thursday 30th January.
Take a look at Instagram for more images.

30th Anniversary 1995 - 2025
2025 a special year for us as we celebrate 30 years blowing glass in Rosedale.
There will be studio events and exhibitions throughout the year and if you are not already on our mailing list, add your name to make sure you get the invitations.
We are also planning to make new works and revisit archive designs throughout the year.... watch this space.
Hope you can join us for our celebrations.

Green Shoots - Fen Ditton Gallery
Exhibition dates: 18th January - 2nd March 2025
Open Thursdays 12 - 5pm and weekends 11am - 6pm
‘Life is so exciting; nature is so exciting. Trying to catch that one simple statement about it. That’s what I’m aiming for.’
Wilhelmina Barns Graham (1912-2004)
Fen Ditton Gallery is delighted to start the New Year with an exhibition which highlights different artistic responses to the colour green.
Life, art and nature are intertwined in a show which brings together 15 artists across three generations exploring the cultural associations, moods, tones and materials of a green world.
A selection of fine artist print collaborations from the studio of the late Kip Gresham, include works by:
Wilhelmina Barns-Graham; Willard Boepple; Stephen Chambers and John McLean as well as a rare work both conceived and printed by Kip himself.
Rachel Gracey (winner of the Pressing Matters Award at Fen Ditton Gallery’s 2023 Printmaking Prize) will show a group of works inspired by gardens and we are delighted to include a rare Michael Rothenstein print from the collection of Rampant Lions Press.
Seaweed as a valued natural material appears in works by artist/anthropologist Rebecca Jewell and by emerging Glasgow designer Iona Turner. A special event will be hosted by them during the show.
Green glass is given breathtaking form in new handblown vessels by two leading UK glass studios: Bob Crooks and Gillies Jones. The Transglass upcycled domestic glassware collection by designers Tord Boontje and Emma Woffendenalso returns to the gallery following its first appearance here in 2018.
Celadons, pastels, ikat silk and jade will also make an appearance in this world of greens. .
Exhibiting artists include: Wilhelmina Barns-Graham, Willard Boepple, Clive Bowen, Stephen Chambers RA, Bob Crooks, Charlotte De Syllas, Edmund de Waal, Gwynn Hanssen Pigott, Gillies Jones, Rachel Gracey, Kip Gresham, Rebecca Jewell, John McLean, Tess Recordon, Mary Restieaux, Michael Rothenstein/Rampant Lions Press, David Stonehouse, Transglass (Tord Boontje / Emma Woffenden), Iona Turner, Susie Turner.
Viewing appointments can be arranged at other times by contacting info@fendittongallery.com or 01223 295657
All works are for sale.
Purchase enquiries can be made to info@fendittongallery.com or online from the 18th January.
Fen Ditton Gallery, 23 High Street, Fen Ditton, Cambridge CB5 8ST