Artists & Craftsmen

Blame Jonathan Kay from the Hat Fair, blame bored public servants at Winchester City Council, blame the artists, take your pick they all had their part to play in the birth of the Bollard Awareness Clinic.

Enthusiasm for the plight of neglected bollards grew as Dr Kakestan started to receive product brochures extolling the virtues of the Westminster Standard and the Boston pop up. Soon she had her own bollard to practice on, a sad specimen victim of the Dig Up Bollard faction.
 
Paints were selected and the clinical team assembled for a first sorty into the field on the occasion of Hat Fair. Four Canon bollards in The Square were selected for a makeover in the style of famous artists and the public loved them. In 2006 a further 5 bollards were painted thanks to sponsorship from Mawson & Company, Duttons, Cadogan & Co and Paul Kinvig.

The Art of Bollards will be extended in 2007 when further sponsored bollards in the style of Lowry, Salvador Dali and Bridget Riley will grace the street. Contact The Colour Factory to find out how you too can Sponsor a Bollard!

The demands on a blacksmith have changed much over time. From the call for weapons of war to the rudiments of agriculture, the blacksmith has always had strong cultural relevance. It is the intention of Kat and her team at Firefly Metalcraft to build upon the perceived role of the local smithy by adding sculptural design, an innovative artistic approach, creative passion and engineering prowess to the long list of very functional, traditional roles performed by the local craftsman.

Since January 1st 2004, Kathryn Fairhurst has brought hammer to anvil as Master blacksmith of the Dane End Forge, with a clear focus on striking up a unique balance between four centuries of local iron-craft tradition and an exciting contemporary style of her own. Honing her craft at The University of Derby, Kat has long had a creative bent designing furniture, lighting and jewellery from an early age. With a free design and quotation service available on all commissions you can be assured of receiving an exciting and innovative response to your brief.

Innovative and emotive handcrafted sculptural pieces for garden and home. Whether you have a specific concept you wish to see brought to life or simply have the perfect space that requires an evocative artistic touch, let them provide a unique focal point.

Please visit our website for full details and to view photographs showing examples of our extensive range of bespoke offerings.

Born on Prince Edward Island, Canada, Heather is firmly grounded in her ties to the island people and the environment she loves. Wherever in the world she may be geographically, her heart is always on the island and ensures her return home.  Her first recording in 1994 mixed her love of traditional island folk songs with her own original material. The strong resemblance between those songs and the traditional folk music of Cornwall, in particular The Isles of Scilly, was often noted.

Heather is a singer songwriter who loves music in all its forms. She has studied classical as well as jazz since the age of fourteen. During her time in New York, she studied with Jazz/bebop singer Sheila Jordan. Her latest release, is entitled After Midnight  and features many classic jazz standards.

Currently residing in Nagoya, Japan, The CD, After Midnight, can be ordered by visiting the link on Heather’s website. Her site also enables visitors to listen to three of her songs ~ just sit back and enjoy her exquisite sound.

The clothing label, Izzy Lane, combine my passions for great clothes, animals and Britain. Sarah Banks has designed our range of skirts and jackets and Gabbi Carter, our knitwear.

Izzy Lane has a network of handknitters, mainly from North Yorkshire, who lovingly knit the Wensleydale garments. Most of them have been knitting all their lives and are delighted to now be producing garments in Wensleydale, arguably the best wool in the world. The pleasure to knit the garments has been enhanced by the knowledge that the sheep are being lovingly cared for and will live out their natural lives.

Our flock of Wensleydale and Shetland sheep are by-products of show-breeding. They comprise mainly of animals that would have been sent to slaughter for being male, missing a pregnancy, being a little lame, being too small, being too old or having imperfections such as a black spot in a white fleece. We pay equal and better prices to save them. They are living out happy lives in our Sheep Sanctuary. As a longstanding vegetarian I have always been confronted with the argument that sheep would not exist if we didn’t eat them. Izzy Lane hopes to demonstrate an economic model whereby sheep can exist, be valued and have a place in our world without becoming meat. It offers another way.

Linda descends from an early New England family. King James commissioned her ancestor, James Leonard to come to America to start an Iron Works in Taunton, Massachusetts. Her family are descendents of Sir Henry Leonard of Hertfordshire, England and have strongly influenced her painting career since she was a young child. An art major in school, she was encouraged by other creative artists in her family, several of whom attended the Boston School of Art.

An award winning artist, Linda has been in many juried shows. She spent a number of years in Florida for further enhancement of her talent and is currently residing in Maine, a state where art abounds. After mastering various mediums she feels fortunate to have studied with a number of accomplished artists and teachers that have helped to make her an experienced painter, including William J. Shultz, the founder of  “The American Impressionist Society”.

Her current memberships include Rockport Art Association, MA; Boothbay Artist Foundation, ME, Kennebec Art Association, ME and Pine Island Art Association, FL. Her work can be found in collections in Massachusetts, Maine, Florida, Vermont  and New Hampshire.

Etchings and Collographs

Please view Marilyn's other listing in this category for her Hand-made Artist Books and also for The Mill at Lloyney in our Bed and Breakfast Category. There you will find information about their wonderful accommodations and the opportunity to view and purchase her artwork. Please contact Marilyn with any enquiries and for additional information.

Hand-made Artist Books

Here is one example of the sort of work I do; stock changes as books are sold and so please check first if you wish to have a particular colour/type of album. Each one is unique, and is made using different papers and cards, often recycled or hand-made. Many of the note books are small and have watercolour paper inside, and some have cartridge paper, but all are suitable for writing and sketching in pencils.

The pocketed star books are usually used to hold precious memories of, for example, christenings, weddings and holidays. These may include photographs, but often include pressed flowers, or scraps of paper or ribbons. They can be stood upright for display or kept shut for preservation.

Decorative fixings and fastenings are always used, and include many items from my grandmother’s button and sewing boxes. Other items are “found” items or hand-made and crafted in Wales and the Border country where I live.

Please view Marilyn's other listing in this category for her Etchings and Collographs and also for The Mill at Lloyney in our Bed and Breakfast Category where you will find information about their unique accommodations and the opportunity to view and purchase her artwork. Please contact Marilyn with enquiries about her art and to arrange to stay at The Mill.

Established in 1980, Newton Forge takes its name from its location, the small country town of Sturminster Newton in Dorset. The forge stands on the edge of the town, overlooking a rural panorama of fields, trees and hedgerows. The company thus has the hallmarks of the traditional village blacksmith – superb craftsmanship combined with aesthetically pleasing designs.

However, although we still like to think of ourselves as the local smithy, we also sell our products throughout the U.K. We take great pride in both what we produce and our personal service to all our customers, whether they place their orders in person or by mail.

Everything produced at Newton Forge is hand-wrought to the Company’s own designs and specifications. This makes every item unique, because it is individually crafted by one person, using traditional blacksmith’s tools and practices. In fact, many of our products are made to order and we can manufacture items to your own design if necessary.

We welcome your visit or contact to discuss your requirements.  Please visit our website for full details.

When Penny and her family moved to Norfolk eleven years ago she opened a craft gallery and started her own creative business with her handmade cards and pictures. She formally launched her business in 1998 at The British Craft Trade Fair in Harrogate.

As an archaeologist, Penny studied ancient textile technology in Europe and her passion for textiles and fibres began at that time. As a small child she would visit her family's carpet factory in Stourport on Severn – savouring the nostalgic smell of the wool yarns and the memories of swimming lessons in the dye vats! She believes that the seeds of her passion may well have begun then.

Developing her skills as a weaver, spinner and dyer (using both prehistoric and modern tools), she left the archaeological world and went on to travel and study modern textile design.

Many of her current designs feature the use of natural or dyed fleece. Many of the natural fleeces are from some of Britain's rare breeds of sheep. Her range of designs is now very extensive - far more than just a few simple sheep that started the ball rolling.

Penny is always working on new ideas and is always happy to produce a design for you - even if it is only one card. Based in Norfolk, East Anglia, all the work is handmade locally, but supplied both wholesale and to individuals around the UK, Europe, USA, Iceland and Japan. Penny’s online shop makes it possible to order from her unique range of work wherever you live.

Please email or phone with any questions or to discuss placing an order from her bespoke handmade greeting card design service. Use the link to Penny’s website to view her extensive range.

Ever wonder what initially inspired someone to offer and create a demand for items you have come to love and can no longer imagine living without? For farmer, Sandra Morton, it began with her unsuccessful search for a pair of luxurious bed socks for her daughter one Christmas. Her search was unsuccessful but thankfully was followed by a chance meeting with Hilary Shenton, a leading breeder of British Alpacas. Their meeting and subsequent collaboration led to the magnificent range of socks Perilla offers – “the ultimate treat for feet” On the pages of this glorious website, you will discover a fantastic range of socks, but that is only a small part of the growing and diverse offerings.

As well as socks Sandra has sourced a range of the finest accessories including beautiful scarves and wraps, gloves and wristwarmers. Passionate about these gentle creatures, it is clear from every page of this diverse and enticing site that Sandra adores alpacas and thrives on sharing these exquisite products with everyone.

Alpaca's unique hollow fibre is incredibly lightweight and warm. The high insulating properties are perfectly suited for outdoor clothing. Second only to silk for strength, alpaca is comparable to the luxurious softness of cashmere yet more durable than both. Hypoallergenic qualities with no lanolin content make alpaca ideal for babies and sensitive skins. All items are machine washable and instructions are provided on the site.

Cashmere scarves and also a range of handbags by London designer Louise Hempleman and Lie Down I Think I Love You are also available from this Online Shop.

All items, with the exception of laptop bags and holdalls, are sent out in a beautiful bespoke handmade box manufactured in England. Please access Perilla website link for full details about their unique and diverse offerings.   Sandra’s daughter Meggie is shown wearing socks from The Country Sock Collection.

Carolyn comes from a very close knit New England family. Her maternal grandfather influenced her love of working with her hands.   When she was a teenager, he built a blanket chest for her and asked her to work on the raised panels on the sides.  She chose some Beatrix Potter paintings and he showed her how to carve the outlines of the pictures and then paint the details inside.

This artwork soon brought her to a local bed and breakfast where her work was commissioned in some of the bedrooms.  Always interested in exploring new creative challenges, Carolyn began to study stained glass with a local artist. She designed her own patterns and began creating personalized boxes and mirrors for family members, eventually taking on larger projects such as a set of windows to surround the front door of a house.
 
Carolyn then began to experiment with other ways of using glass such as mosaic stepping stones, trivets, and coasters.  She designs each project based upon the tastes and preferences of the people who commission them. Carolyn enjoys her work whether it is of her own design or is made to order.

To learn more about her work or to place specific orders, please request more information through e-mail.

The Artist’s Loft Fine Art Gallery in Brattleboro, Vermont is a space for percolating ideas and inspirational renewal. A “Salon” atmosphere is created by artists and art lovers who stop by to see the latest work on display, to chat and to work. William Hays has established himself as one of New England’s foremost portrait painters and interpreters of our beautiful landscape. His studio is attached to the gallery enabling visitors to view the artist at work. We encourage you to discover the richness and depth of his work on display and in progress. Please also see their listing under our bed and breakfast section.

A warm welcome awaits you at this unusual art gallery on the moors near Ilkley. The gallery has a display of original paintings and drawings by Liz Clarke and Dave Marsh. Liz uses many different media in her work, which is characterised by strong, vibrant colours. Dave is a skilled pen and ink artist but also works in coloured pencil, watercolour and other media. Together, Liz and Dave have a wide range of paintings of many different subjects. (You can get a preview of their work by looking on the gallery website and clicking on the artists’ names.) As well as originals, the gallery sells prints, cards and gifts made from the artwork.

During the summer, there are regular live music events outside the gallery – details are on the gallery website: http://www.the-elm-gallery.co.uk/

PS ~ Free tea and scones for all visitors!

My Grandfather may have been Gaffer in a Cotton Mill in Lancashire, but I was not going to have anything to do with Textiles when I grew up!!! My Mother taught me to knit and sew, but it wasn't until I joined a Re-enactment group that I decided it was something positive I could make use of!

I took a City and Guilds course in Art and Design - Embroidery, thinking that I could become a 17th Century embroideress; however I then discovered that I couldn't obtain the type of embroidery silks that I needed, so I learned to spin silk and to use Natural Dyes. From there ‘The Mulberry Dyer’ was born, I was asked where I was getting my silks from, so I started producing them for sale. That was the beginning of our Online Shop with its diverse and ever-increasing range.

You can purchase natural products such as Extract Dyes sourced from businesses that produce them as ethically as possible using the most environmentally friendly methods available. I test and use all of the products myself enabling me to provide firsthand knowledge and experience; Fibres, Spun Thread, Kits, Books and many other offerings are available including John’s very unique woodworking tools made to museum quality with wood from renewable sources. Examples of his extensive range of tools include: The Basic Spindle, Anglo Saxon/Viking Spindle, Leather Baked Hand Carders and both a 1 and 2 yard Niddy Noddy.

We are pleased to offer ox hair and sable hair paintbrushes, Handmade Paper, Handmade Medieval Sealing Wax, Handbeaten English Gold Leaf and also Silver Leaf., Handspun Silk embroidery threads and the finest handmade needles and pins, Books as well as a Range of Kits which feature our woodwork tools and yarns.

Questions are always welcome and we are delighted to offer guidance with any of your projects and purchases. Please never hesitate to contact us for any information you may need or desire.

Note: Please also visit The Mulberry Dyer’s listing in our Education Category to discover their wonderful historically accurate presentations, events, workshops and courses. They travel around the country and will be pleased to assist you in finding one in your area, or work with you to design one.                                                                

Vermont Artisan Designs - along with the new, upstairs, Gallery 2 - is an extensive showcase of fine art and hand-crafted gifts.

In addition to the fine art and sculpture found in Gallery 2, the works of more than 350 American craftspeople are on display. Unique jewelry, blown glass, pottery, wrought iron, pewter, turned wood, jewelry boxes, clocks, chimes and the famed Vermont Folk Rocker, are just some of the hard-to-find items available.

Explore our new online gallery, www.BuyVermontArt.com, where you can purchase a wide assortment of American-made crafts and fine art from a regularly updated representative sampling of works displayed on Main Street in Brattleboro. Items made in Vermont will be designated by a colorful maple leaf.