Journal

Plantlife is the third in an annual series of exhibitions at Fen Ditton Gallery that focus on the natural world. A developing part of the gallery programme this series foregrounds artists, makers and designers across media who draw particular inspiration from the natural world and create memorable objects and images in response. All exhibits are for sale and a proportion of sale proceeds will go to support Plantlife’s campaign for better management of road verges. You can learn more at plantlife.love-wildflowers.org.uk Works range from a magnificent 2msq printed and stitched quilt by leading textile artist Pauline Burbidge to drawings by the sculptor Nigel Hall and black and white photographs by Lotte Attwood and Paul Hart. A new group of exquisite hand pierced and hand engraved Gingko leaf brooches by master artist-engraver Malcolm Appleby are complemented by a beautiful, hand-painted and pierced gold Daisy Necklace by Christopher Thompson Royds. Sculptor Lizzie Farey shows some of her vivid willow drawings and the art of engraving on glass is represented by a pair of Goosegrass vases from Katharine Coleman (this weed never looked so good!) and a glowing yellow Buttercup Vase by Yorkshire duo Studio Gillies Jones. View Exhibition Here

We are pleased to say, in accordance with the guidelines and current safety protocols, we will be opening our doors and resume our usual opening hours from next Monday :-
Monday - Saturday 10 - 4pm
Sunday 2 - 4pm

Both of Rosedale's village tea rooms are open for takeaway tea coffee, cake and sandwiches.

If you can't get here in person, our website has undergone a refresh which includes accepting international payments online and of course, keep an eye on our Instagram and Facebook accounts for pics and studio news.

We look forward to seeing you.

Stephen & Kate

These bowls have been with us since we opened our doors twenty five years ago. It's a timeless form and at home in a contemporary or traditional home. Hope you enjoy the pics of the colours of the bowls set against the wealth of colour in the natural word.

On may 1st 1995, we opened our studio doors to visitors for the first time. Not long after opening the doors our first visitor arrived and left with a decanter for his communion wine.

Thank you for everyone who has supported our craft these past twenty five years.

We would not be here without you.

Together on Wednesdays Our next lecture is: Kate Jones of Gillies Jones on 25 years Making a Living Creating Glass on Wednesday, 29th April 7.30 – 8.30pm Kate Jones is half of the Gillies Jones partnership; her current practice explores surface mark making and the landscape. Kate has lectured extensively in the UK including work for Crafts Council and overseas with the British Council in Australia and India. She studied Fine Art in Stourbridge College of Art, glass at Brierley Hill and master classes at North Lands. This talk is for members of the CGS. For more details have a look here CGS.

We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has had added a Cowslip bowl to your collection.

Your support in these strange and difficult times is very much appreciated.

Very warmest regards from Rosedale

Stephen & Kate

The Cowslip - our first limited edition bowl of 2020 Flowering around Easter the cowslip is one of the best known spring wildflowers. In Rosedale Abbey, they grow between the stones of our driveway, a nodding cluster of delicate cup shaped flowers sitting atop tall stalks, the leaves an array of delicate greens. A nostalgic symbol of flower rich pastures, once as common as a buttercup but depleted from the 1950s due to changes in land management, the cowslip is now regaining a foothold in roadside verges. Highly valued since ancient times for its medicinal uses, the cowslip contains an oil known as ‘primula camphor’ that has the potential for use as an anti-inflammatory and antihistamine. Used to make wine, jam, tea and ointment, it is thought to be a good sedative and was used in the treatment of coughs and bronchitis. A tad topical... but don’t try this at home. The folklore is rich, as is the origin of its name. In old English ‘cuslyppe’ translated to cowpat. Obviously, we prefer the more romantic adapted name, cowslip. Our first seasonal design of 2020 is an edition of 100 bowls and is available for delivery only at present. View the bowls in our shop. Very warmest regards from Rosedale. Stephen and Kate

BUSINESS

(ALMOST) AS USUAL

At Gillies Jones we are following current expert advice and adapting to the times.

We will be closing our doors to visitors for the time being.

We will be in the studio working and able to post online and telephone orders out to you.

We are a small independent maker, so right now, we appreciate your support more than ever.

Stay safe.

Stephen & Kate xx