5 Favourites from Helen Chislett
Date: 17 May 2023
5 F A V O U R I T E S F R O M H E L E N C H I S L E T T
This week's 5 Favourites from Craft Festival Bovey Tracey are chosen by writer, curator and commentator, Helen Chislett. Thank you so much Helen.
Sarah Le Breton
I am in love with willow as a material and hugely admire Sarah’s work – not only the pleasingly sculptural baskets she makes, but her rush-seated chairs that follow in the tradition of Ernest Gimson. She adds her own signature with natural indigo dyes on white willow, for example.
Simon Olley Pottery
Simon Olley makes ceramics in beautiful glazes, often illustrated with dogs – both real (to commission) and imagined. I love these black and red Dog Jugs that have such energy and wit. The series based on Simon’s own Labrador Retriever is equally engaging.
Esther Connon
I am often drawn to children’s books because of the quality of illustration and I love Esther’ work, because her stories are told using minimal or no text. Her intriguing animal characters are also available in a range of goods from mugs to lampshades.
Kim Carlow from StartUP
As a huge fan of the work of Tirzah Garwood (wife of Eric Ravilious), it is joyous to see traditional hand print making still holding its own, as seen the fabulous lino cuts of Kim Carlow. She really captures the movement of boats on choppy seas coming back to safe harbour.
The Stitch Society
For those of us who resist gimmicky or garishly-coloured aprons, The Stitch Society is a welcome alternative – UK sourced, sustainable and with minimal environmental impact, this is durable (and highly desirable) workwear that ticks all my boxes!
To discover all these makers and 200 more, head over to our website.
