We emerged from Contemporary Ceramics at 3 o’clock, hungry! At Prêt á Manger we considered what else we could see nearby. (Could said eatery please open a few venues in the Vancouver area?). My London relatives suggested that the Wallace Collection isn’t far away, so we hopped on the tube for a short ride.
On entering the Wallace Collections’ elegant building Mel asked where we could find ceramics, bless her! It was a nice surprise to find that they have some good examples of Italian Renaissance maiolica (thanks Carol Mayer for assigning the study of same in History of Ceramics seminar 30 years ago!). Here are a couple of fine examples of this intricate method of decorating earthenware dishes.
There’s also a piece of the wild French Palissey ware with an almost live snake. Oh my! Details of these pieces can be seen here:
Then there was just enough time to check an exhibition of watercolours by Turner & Bonington, from the collection.
https://www.wallacecollection.org/whats-on/exhibitions-displays/turner-and-bonington/
On our way to the Wallace Collection we’d spotted an interesting gallery called ‘Mint’ on the other side of Manchester Square, and it was open until 6pm. We were fascinated by the curated selection of ceramics, lighting and furniture. It’s apparently been open for a couple of decades and prides itself on showing and commissioning innovative and environmentally sensitive pieces. We were told that many of the works are by recent graduates of Art and Design schools in Britain and beyond. There are several rooms to explore and I think the gallery is well worth a stop on your way to see the Wallace Collection.
‘Mint represents exclusive works by internationally recognised designers as well as new emerging talent. The gallery complements contemporary design with unique handcrafted ceramics, glassware and textiles.’
These elegant ceramic pieces had lids, handles, saucers or pedestals made from recycled plastic. I was encouraged to photograph them (and much else in the gallery) and shown the price list.
After this lovely afternoon of gallery-hopping with my niece-in-law and great-niece, we joined the busy Saturday evening crowds to make our way back to their home in Richmond.
The next morning we walked to nearby Kew Gardens for a brief visit, before I took the train down to Salisbury for the next part of my holiday in England.
Yes, I did find another potter there so I’ll be posting another blog!
