At our excellent June meeting, Jade Power, the winner of our scholarship in honour of Patricia and Chris Begg, presented on the works of her graduate exhibition, Experimental Materiality, a fascinating insight into creativity. 

 Jade’s process is rigorous and meticulous, using slip, cord, glaze and burnout techniques to create charismatic arrays of delicate, hollow forms; and extrusion, multiple firing and repeated and relentless binding with wire to produce massive structures that she then commits to the vagaries of the kiln. Jade spoke of her experience, how she felt during the creative process, which could be everything from soothing to excruciating, and her philosophy of creation, one of shared authorship, whereby she relinquishes control to the materials and the kiln, her artistic collaborators. 

 Jade’s wonderful works can be seen from early August at Stockroom Gallery in Kyneton

 In July John Van Zyl introduced us to French faience, tin glazed earthenware designed to visually emulate porcelain, and influenced by Italian majolica and Dutch Delftware. 

 John discussed the petit feu and grand feu techniques and then took us to 17th and 18th century Nevers, where we saw the cross cultural influences, including from Asia, and signs of the French revolution. We visited Rouen and admired the meticulous decoration, including brilliant blue and white and elegant lambrequin patterns. Our next stop was Moustiers, producer of hunting scenes, classical ‘monsters’ and polychrome wares influenced by the Spanish. Our evening finished in the company of M. Geo. Martel at Desvres, early 20th century ‘imitator’ of 18th century Delft. John’s talk engendered lots of interest, and laughter.

 At our August meeting we will hear again from John Patrick, the well-known landscape architect and public presenter who last spoke to us two years ago (on Four Scandinavian Potters). John grew up on the edge of The Potteries in Staffordshire and has, to quote, ‘pots in my blood’. John will speak on English Studio Pottery. He is an enthusiastic and gripping speaker, so it should be an excellent evening. Please note that, per Chris’s previous advice, this meeting will not be Zoomed.

 In September we will have our annual three-speaker-evening.  Margaret Robinson will give us a brief look at Izmir Ceramics, Philip Williams will take us through the life and works of the French artist and glass maker, Maurice Marinot and I will speak about The Poignant Repair.

 Finally, a reminder about our relaunched John Kenny Memorial lecture, which we are holding on the evening of Thursday 9 October at a prestigious CBD location. John Whitehead, international author, dealer and specialist in 18th century French decorative arts, will speak to us on Sèvres in the King’s private apartments at Versailles; how porcelain was used as royal interior decoration.

 The booking details were distributed with the previous newsletter, but you can also book via this link. If anyone has any queries or issues, please contact our Assistant Secretary, Andrew Dixon using the contact form here.

 Genine Wallinga

President, July 2025