Countdown to the new pottery opening for use. Three months to go!
Most people familiar with Bell House in any way will already know about the wonderful new facility which has been taking shape over the past months, tucked away between the outbuildings and the garden, not at first obvious from the road. Gradually, as buildings do, it has been emerging from the usual confusion of a building site and is now nearing completion. Classes are planned to start in mid-September and booking is already going well. A great deal of interest was shown by everyone who came to ask about the pottery and look at the architect’s model, which was on display on the Open House and Dulwich Festival days. Even those who had no experience of pottery were enthusiastic about this new local resource and its potential.
The building itself is very carefully designed to exploit the lovely position of the site, overlooking the gardens, and to complement the existing style and atmosphere of Bell House and its grounds. Sound principles of sustainability are at the heart of its construction, and will continue to be adhered to once the pottery is in use. For example, solar power and a ground source heat pump will provide much of the energy needed, and clay can be recycled routinely from any items not required by their ‘creators’. Encouraging news for those of us beginners who are bound to have a few mishaps!
If you have already booked a class, or if you are thinking of doing so, what can you expect in the autumn? A spacious and bright room, with a warm atmosphere, closely connected to the natural world of the garden outside, with all the inspiration that might provide… Classes of eight- small enough to allow plenty of attention and support but providing a friendly atmosphere in which to learn together… Enthusiastic and experienced tutors, each bringing different styles and techniques as potters… And, as autumn moves into winter, an afternoon or evening to look forward to as you acquire a totally new skill or explore an existing talent.
