Christmas at Royal Porcelain Works
Worcester’s leading centre for art and culture has published it’s programme of events and activities for the festive period.
The Royal Porcelain Works – which has been developed to showcase the county’s artistry and craftsmanship – is organising a number of festive events throughout December.
With a variety of Pottery Painting, Workshops, Craft Fairs and Exhibitions, plus much more available, there is something for everyone this festive season.
Etsy Made Local
Saturday 30 November – Sunday 1 December, 10.00am to 5.00pm
With more than 20 sellers attending across this two day free event, offering shoppers a wide range of unique and meaningful gifts, all part of the site’s aim to encourage people to both source and buy locally this Christmas;
Christmas Pottery Painting
Saturday 7, Saturday 14 and Saturday 21 December, 2.00pm to 5.00pm and Sunday 1 and Sunday 1 December, 10.00am to 4.00pm
These events offer a range of different Christmas ceramics to paint including a plate for Santa and a baby’s first Christmas bauble. Booking is essential.
“We are delighted to announce our Christmas programme. The spaces at Royal Porcelain Works offer themselves perfectly for such creative events as we are all about showcasing the county’s artistry and craftsmanship. We look forward to welcoming you to join in our festive fun!”
Sara Matthews, General Manager of Royal Porcelain Works.
Book Club
Monday 2 December, 7.40pm to 8.40pm
This month’s book choice is the festive ‘Skipping Christmas’ by John Grisham. Free to attend, no booking is necessary.
Christmas Wreath Workshop
Sunday 8 December, 9.30am to 11.30am, 12midday to 2.00pm and 2.30pm to 4.30pm
Delivered by Sweet Ginger Flowers, attendees will create a luxury festive door wreath, using traditional techniques and premium British foliage. Booking is essential.
Christmas Arts
Sunday 8 December, 10.00am to 5.00pm
Participate in Art will host 17 artists and artisans offering unique oil and watercolour works, photography, pottery, glassware, jewellery, mixed media, soft furnishings and original pieces, prints and gift sets. Free to attend, no booking is required.
Watermarks – An Exhibition of Watercolours
Saturday 14 – Friday 20 December, 11.00am to 4.00pm
This exhibition will host watercolours by local artist David Birtwistle, who, for nearly half a century, has been painting Worcester scenes and the local countryside. It will also include recent examples from his travels in France, Italy, India and Ireland. No booking is required at this free event.
Christmas Table Decoration Workshop
Sunday 22 December, 9.30am to 11.30am and 2.30pm to 4.30pm
Delivered by Sweet Ginger Flowers, attendees will create a Christmas table centerpiece, using a variety of flowers, premium plant material and seasonal foliage. Booking is essential.
For further information please contact the Royal Porcelain Works on 01905 677399 or email enquiries@royalporcelainworks.co.uk.
Plates reinstated on historical site
Worcester’s leading centre for art and culture has unveiled a series of hand painted ceramic plates.
The Royal Porcelain Works – which has been developed to showcase the county’s artistry and craftsmanship – has reinstated 30 plates in what used to be the Victorian showroom of Royal Worcester, the Henry Sandon Hall.
The original plates were also housed in the Henry Sandon Hall, which was built in 1851 to showcase the world famous porcelain.
The project – which took 3 months to complete – was undertaken by Royal Porcelain Works resident artist Tony Young; just like in the Victorian period, these hand painted plates – depicting local scenes and wildlife- will be on show for visitors to enjoy as well as serving as a lasting legacy to Tony, a local artist who has an established relationship with the site.
“In reinstating the plates, we are creating a new piece of history for the Henry Sandon Hall, whilst also recognising the incredible talent of Tony who has dedicated his career to the Works and is an integral part of the team here today.”
Sara Matthews, General Manager of Royal Porcelain Works.
Resident Artist at Royal Porcelain Works, Tony Young – who has been an artist all his working life – began his career at Royal Worcester in 1970, shortly after his fifteenth birthday. In 1971 he was named ‘Best Animal and Bird Artist’ by the renowned ceramics expert Henry Sandon.
His many special commissions have included painting the Queen’s corgis, as well as paintings for the Sultan of Oman. Tony has also built up a reputation for his repairs and restoration work which he also undertakes on site; these have included around 600 red poppies from the public art installation at the Tower of London which commemorated the outbreak of the First World War.
The original plates were housed in the Henry Sandon Hall which was built in 1851 to showcase the world famous porcelain. Displayed in wall mouldings, the designs were hand painted by the artists who worked there.
The Bransford Trust – which owns the site – is currently developing an area on site which formerly housed the Trade Showrooms; scheduled for completion early next year, the spaces will be available for artists to lease.
For further information please contact the Royal Porcelain Works on 01905 677399 or email enquiries@royalporcelainworks.co.uk.
Curation of first 'Foyer Arts'
The Foyer of the Royal Porcelain Works is the ideal space for the display and presentation for sale of artworks. PIA have worked with the Royal Porcelain Works on many projects and the Foyer Arts Exhibition space is the latest venture in the support and promotion of the Arts and Culture in Worcester.
Open 9:30am to 4:30pm daily from 30th October 2019, in The Foyer at Royal Porcelain Works
The first Artist to be displayed in the new and vibrant space is Worcester based Stereo-graphic Projection and Nature Photographer – Anthony Pearson.
Anthony likes photographing trees, flowers, people, urban details and all the other stuff he sees around him.
"Sometimes I photograph pieces of paper. I also make stereographic projections. A stereographic projection is a sphere mapped onto a 2 dimensional surface. In other words, photograph everything around you, then flatten out the image."
Photographer Anthony Pearson, exhibiting work at Royal Porcelain Works throughout November.
Anthony reflects on some felicitous quotes; “Finding myself out of the gossip, I busied myself taking snapshots of everything in sight, enjoying my dislocation from events. Watching the miniaturized, reflected image swim prettily into focus in my viewfinder, I had the world exactly as I wanted it.” – Jonathan Raban, Arabia Through The Looking Glass.
“I have this funny thing which is that I’m never afraid when I’m looking in the ground glass.” – Diane Arbus.
“I photograph to find out what something will look like photographed.” – Garry Winogrand.
For more information on Anthony’s work, please visit www.dankspangle.com
To purchase a piece of Anthony’s work on display at Royal Porcelain Works, contact: Chris on 07713 055999 or email chris@participateinart.com
If you are an Artist and wish to know more about exhibiting your work as a part of Foyer Arts at Royal Porcelain Works, or want to find out how Participate in Art can help you, contact Participate in Art directly.
Art & Performance Weekend
Worcester’s leading centre for the arts is hosting its first art and performance weekend later this month.
Royal Porcelain Works – which has been developed to showcase the county’s artistry and craftsmanship – will host the event on the August Bank Holiday weekend, from Saturday 24 August to Monday 26 August.
Artists will be showcasing their work at an art and performance event later this month
The event – which has been organised in partnership with Participate in Art – will include the following free events :
- Portraits by caricaturist Andy Meanock;
- An artist open studio and Meet the Artist sessions, including art work and live creations by Jean Baynham, Jantil Moon, Richard Delingpole and Jilly Oxlade-Arnott;
- A long gallery of works by national artists including Steve J Harvey, Bic Beaumont, Rebecca Daffeh, Colin Clarke and Sam Fenner;
- 3D glass fusion by Sarah Greening, glass pendants by Richard Evans and pottery by Chris Greening;
- The first presentation of the new bone china ranges from fourth generation Worcester Porcelain workers, Josiah and Harry Davis of Kinver Ceramics;
- White Sock Theatre performing three outdoor plays from its popular ‘Story Book Adventures’, perfect for children and families;
- Production company Brain Cocaine will be performing a three day live installation of ‘Love Letters’, an organically grown art installation;
- Music performances by the very talented Andy Meanock and other musicians booking places too.
- Live Poetry Performances from Suz Winspear, Is Osborn, Claire Walker, Bob Woodroofe, Sue Johnson, Mel Wardle Woodend, Holly Yuille, Amanda Bonnick, Georgie Bull, Sharon Carr, Holly Daffurn, Scott Cowley and the new Worcestershire Poet Laureate Charley Barnes;
- An extensive pop up bookshop of local and national authors and poets, spanning all genres and styles including a large range of independent authors and titles from both Black Pear Press and V Press;
- An event information stand for Worcestershire Open Studios – taking place on the same weekend at various city venues – and Worcester Music Festival – taking place on Friday 13 to Sunday 15 September – with site maps, list of participating artists and musicians as well as festival merchandise;
- Worcester Festival activities will also be taking place at the Royal Porcelain Works during the same weekend, including a set from Vamos Theatre, a day ofTry the Horn and The Worcester Festival Jazz Band;
- A singing workshop ‘Un-Limit Your Voice’ by the Royal Porcelain Works in-house choir, Voices Unlimited.
“This is Worcester’s first ever art and performance weekend on such a scale and we are thoroughly looking forward to opening our beautiful spaces to host such a fabulous event. Just a few minutes from the city centre, there will be something for everyone. We look forward to seeing you there!”
Sara Matthews, General Manager of Royal Porcelain Works
Chris Oxlade-Arnott, Director of Participate in Art said : “Our event looks set to be an amazing weekend of culture with live music, song, poetry, plays, interactive installations, art and artists. Suitable for all ages, visitors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in art and culture in all its forms.”
The event runs from 11.00am to 5.00pm on the Saturday and Sunday and from 11.00am to 4.00pm on the Bank Holiday Monday.
Participate in Art was launched in 2016 to provide opportunities, support and access to artists, art communities and organisations. Through exhibitions, galleries, educational services, talks, workshops, supplier partnerships and events, it increases the awareness and approachability of the arts.
For further information please contact the Royal Porcelain Works on 01905 677399 or email enquiries@royalporcelainworks.co.uk or contact PIA on 07713 055 999 or visit www.participateinart.co/events.
Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond Classes
Worcester’s leading new centre for art and culture has launched a series of parent and baby classes.
Royal Porcelain Works – which has been developed to showcase the county’s artistry and craftsmanship – has welcomed mother and daughter duo, Anne Bradshaw and Lydia Healy, to deliver all of its parent, baby and toddler activities.
Royal Porcelain Works expands it's offering with a series of parent and baby classes.
The classes are as follows :
- Antenatal - for women of 28 weeks pregnant and more - held once a month on a Sunday from 10.00am to 5.00pm at a cost of £80.00 which includes an artisan picnic from The Nest;
- Baby massage - for babies aged from 6 weeks to 6 months, every other Thursday from 12midday to 12.45pm, at a cost of £5.00;
- Baby Yoga – for babies aged from 16 weeks to 9 months, every other Thursday from 12midday to 12.45pm, at a cost of £5.00;
- Parent and Baby Sensory Musical Sessions – for newborns to toddling babies, every Thursday and Saturday from 10am to 10.30am, at a cost of £5.00;
- Parent and Toddler Sensory Musical Sessions – for strong walkers to 3 years, every Thursday and Saturday, from 10.45am to 11.30pm, at a cost of £5.00;
- Baby & Toddler Cake & Coffee Morning - for parents to be able to sit down and chat about the ups and downs of parenthood, every Thursday and Saturday 10:30am to 11:30am, free to attend.
“We are absolutely delighted to be delivering our classes at the Royal Porcelain Works. Offering help and support at this stage in life is absolutely crucial. We believe firmly in attachment parenting and a woman’s ability to give birth given the right support, the right information and the right environment.”
Anne Bradshaw of Mindful Massage and Stand and Deliver.
Anne, who lives in Worcester, is a childbirth educator and pregnancy massage therapist, and runs her two companies – Mindful Massage and Stand and Deliver – from the Royal Porcelain Works. With more than 25 years experience, Anne has been involved with more than 4000 parents and 4500 babies. Having experienced the pain of miscarriage – losing two babies, one at 12 weeks and another at 21 weeks – she was delighted when Lydia arrived in her 41st year.
Anne received a first class honours degree in Healthcare at the age of 52, is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a Member of the Federation of Antenatal Educators.
Lydia – a qualified nursery nurse – has been teaching contemporary singing and musical theatre performance to children and young adults for 10 years and is currently studying to be an antenatal teacher. Having suffered from post natal depression and obsessive compulsive disorder after her daughter was born, Lydia is passionate about creating sessions that are child led, concentrating on what is best for baby.
“We are providing a one stop shop for families in a beautiful environment. As a mother and daughter team we have so much experience both personally and professionally and are sure our classes will help both parents and babies develop into confident, competent and happy individuals.”
Lydia Healy of Stand and Deliver.
Sara Matthews, General Manager of Royal Porcelain Works said: “It is part of our ethos to ensure that we offer some of the very best activities and initiatives locally. We are therefore delighted to welcome Anne and Lydia. Delivering a full package of help and support to parents and babies in such a remarkable setting will bring many benefits to all those involved.”
For further information please contact Sara Matthews, General Manager, Royal Porcelain Works on 01905 677399 or email her at sara.matthews@royalporcelainworks.co.uk.
Art Demonstrations by Tony
Royal Porcelain Works – which has been developed to showcase the county’s artistry and craftsmanship – has welcomed ceramic painter Tony Young to share his work and inspiration to residents and visitors alike.
Tony’s work is available to be viewed and discussed either in The Museum of Royal Worcester or in The Studio
Tony’s work is available to be viewed and discussed either in The Museum of Royal Worcester on Thursdays and Saturdays between 10.00am and 4.00pm or in The Studio – above The Nest Café – on Mondays and Fridays between 9.00am and 5.00pm.
The Royal Porcelain Works – which is based on the old Royal Worcester factory site in Severn Street – is a vibrant new cultural development that features arts and crafts, a brand new exhibition area, a new eatery, all sitting alongside the world famous Museum of Royal Worcester.
Tony – who has been an artist all his working life – began his career at Royal Worcester in 1970, shortly after his fifteenth birthday. In 1971 he was named ‘Best Animal and Bird Artist’ by the renowned ceramics expert Henry Sandon. His many special commissions have included painting the Queen’s corgis, as well as paintings for The Sultan of Oman. Tony has also built up a reputation for his repairs and restoration work which he also undertakes on site; these have included around 600 red poppies from the public art installation at The Tower of London which commemorated the outbreak of The First World War.
“It is really fabulous to be back and I am honoured and humbled to be able to share my work and the inspiration behind it to visitors.”
Tony Young, Resident Artist at Royal Porcelain Works
Royal Porcelain Works was originally founded by Robert Chamberlain in Severn Street and is being redeveloped by the Bransford Trust to create a new centre for the arts in Worcester, featuring The ‘Henry Sandon’ Hall. The 1852 showroom is at the heart of the development, refurbished to become a 140 seat capacity venue, equipped with the latest audio visual technology.
The Hall sits alongside The Nest; a unique, quirky, casual but comfortable, family friendly licensed café and deli. Above the Nest is The Studio, named after Sam Driver White, a space dedicated to providing facilities and opportunities for local artists and craftspeople to showcase their work and demonstrate their skills, in a purpose-built arts workshop and studio. These facilities, alongside a gallery and a courtyard, are host to an eclectic mix of events; including theatre, cinema, talks, antiques fairs, farmer’s markets and art workshops and exhibitions.
Sara Matthews, General Manager of Royal Porcelain Works said: “We are absolutely delighted to introduce Tony and his work to our visitors. Showcasing his skill and versatility is all part of our aim to raise the profile of the fantastic level of creativity and craftsmanship that exists locally, helping ensure these skills remain relevant to future generations and those traditions for which the city of Worcester is renowned live on.”
For further information please contact Sara Matthews, General Manager, Royal Porcelain Works on 01905 677399 or email her at sara.matthews@royalporcelainworks.co.uk.