Journal

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

Of course, the situation with Coronavirus is changing rapidly. It seems almost daily that we have new advice.

We are doing our very best to navigate these choppy waters. We remain very much open for business are fulfilling orders by post.

We will continue to blow glass and so, therefore, by nature of the process we have our doors open and will welcome visitors.

Keeping in mind our health and the wellbeing of our assistant, we will continue to monitor the situation and be guided by expert advice.

In these difficult times, we are focusing on springs bounty and enjoying the fresh air of the North York Moors.

Thank you for all your support and we hope you all stay safe and well.

Stephen & Kate

Pleased to be showing 3 new bowls within this group exhibition. Saturday 18 January - Sunday 1 March 2020 - Fen Ditton Gallery "This exhibition is the second in a series of exhibitions exploring colour that Amanda Game is curating for Fen Ditton Gallery. Each show brings together works by artists, from different disciplines, to explore how colour as both subject and medium remains a fundamental part of many artistic processes." More details here.

The furnace is off as we change the crucible, ready for the year ahead making glass. The pot corrodes over time and develops holes or cracks, which can, eventually go through and create all kinds of havoc for a glassmaker. This pot has been in the furnace since summer 2017 and is ready to come out. Hope to have the furnace relit next week and have the beating heart of the building return to warm this stone building through.

A very happy new year to you.

We are looking forward to this new year for many reasons. We have plans made, many of which will involve celebrating our 25th year making glass together in Rosedale.

Please join our studio mailing list to be the first to learn of special events and exhibitions.

In January and February each year, we work behind closed doors and resume our usual opening hours on March 1st.

We still accept PayPal orders during this time and if you would like to visit the studio, please call ahead to arrange an appointment.

Thank you.

Warm regards from Rosedale,

Stephen & Kate

A simple vase in black glass, that allows for any colour of flower to shine, be it a single garden bloom, or an elaborate table centre for a special occasion.

The vase has a small hole of approx 1.5cm diameter in the top so as it can hold a simple single bloom or an arrangement.

Available in a large or small size.

Last orders for Christmas 19th December.