Pottery Showdown comes to Cardiff
Written: 05 July 2016
The Pottery Showdown comes to Made by Hand
The organisers of Wales’ largest contemporary craft fair, Made by Hand, have announced details of this year’s event.
Made by Hand 2016 will take place from 28th – 30th October at the historic and prestigious City Hall, Cardiff for the third year running.
New this year, following the huge success of The Pottery Showdown in June at The Contemporary Craft Festival, Made by Hand will welcome the potters from the BBC’s hit TV show to Cardiff. You can meet Matt, Tom, Sally-Jo and Jim throughout the weekend, buy the ceramics they make and challenge them in our Made by Hand Showdown.
Internationally respected potter Kevin Millward is guest judge and challenge setter for the Showdown, which is presented in association with Potclays. During the Showdown, daily challenges will be set to test visitors’ skills on the potters’ wheels, which have been generously supplied by Potclays from Stoke on Trent.
This truly special event brings together an exceptional, handpicked selection of 135 leading award-wining makers from all over Wales and the UK. The highly skilled collection includes jewellery makers, potters, furniture makers, textile artists, glassmakers and many more, all selling their finely made products directly to the public.
Made by Hand welcomes children and adults of all ages to come along and try their hand at a wide range of exciting craft activities and watch a number of different craft demonstrations and masterclasses by some of the UK’s most prestigious makers. Internationally important potter, Walter Keeler and Wood turner, Mark Sanger will be presenting masterclasses of their craft. Demonstrations of craft will be positioned throughout the impressive rooms of City Hall, where visitors can meet and buy from a beautiful selection of jewellery, pottery, textiles, glass and prints.
New this year, Made by Hand will be working with Suzi Park from Make it in Wales, who will be delivering a range of in workshops and there is an inspirational programme of workshops throughout the weekend.
“I am delighted to be invited by Made by Hand to provide a selection of creative workshops over the three days in Cardiff. At Make it in Wales, we provide high-end residential and day courses in West Wales and we feel very privileged to be bringing a sample of our courses to Cardiff for you to ‘have a go’ and meet our lovely tutors. Knitting, sewing, felt-making, printing, silver ring making and creative embroidery are what we have to offer over the three days. So do come and join us for a couple of hours of creativity and maybe try out something new.” Suzi Park
Made by Hand is part of a portfolio of events organised by Sarah James and Nina Fox. Sarah and Nina also organise the multi-award winning Contemporary Craft Festival in Bovey Tracey. The Contemporary Craft Festival was launched in 2004 and has established itself as one of the leading craft events for buying contemporary craft.
Made by Hand Director Sarah James says: “I’m very excited to be bringing Made by Hand back to Cardiff and back to City Hall. I am particularly excited to be bringing our Pottery Showdown to Cardiff. Made by Hand gives 135 exceptional makers a fantastic opportunity to grow their businesses in a beautiful city and I’m confident that this will be the ultimate shopping experience for all ages and a magnificent day out”.
Made by Hand is produced in association with Cardiff Council, Visit Wales and Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre. For information, including details of exhibitors visit www.madebyhand-wales.co.uk
