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Statement by Maxine Symons
I
started Crowan
Crafts
because I became disillusioned with the lack of quality and originality in a
great deal of craftwork. Today, many so-called craftsmen seem to take their
inspiration from a desire to ape what is mass-produced. To re-produce, under the
name of craftwork, that which is machine-made.
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Gemstone jewellery by Sue Kelly |
Not only does this show a lack of original thought, but also
a lack of what lies at the very root of the work of the genuine
‘artisans’ – individual, human expression.
Imagination, creativity, and beauty have been scorned by our
throwaway society. We surround ourselves with the insanely functional and deny
the importance of beauty in our daily lives. |
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I live near the hamlet of Crowan where Harry and May Davis ran
Crowan Pottery
from 1946-1962. They had both 'worked' previously at St Ives with Bernard Leach.
Pottery from Crowan was extremely beautiful and supremely functional. Harry
and May lived simply and were anti-elitist.
It is these aspects of
high quality and approachability that I wanted to emulate with
Crowan
Crafts.
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Bottle clock by Liam & Geri Dorcey |
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The introduction to Harry Davis'
book - The Potters Alternative - outlines his feelings
regarding the 'fine art' bandwagon of the Studio Pottery movement.
It is well worth reading. Just click the image.
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Crowan Crafts
is a travelling group, setting up exhibitions throughout Cornwall. At our
exhibitions each artist is present alongside his work, counteracting the
ever-increasing elitism that tends to separate the artist from the public.
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Photograph by Mary Humphreys |
Plate by Lynda Jewell - Pierrot Pottery |
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David Trewin
Vase in mulberry wood
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Blegan - Mohair and Natural Wool Products |
Emma West Ceramics - Handmade tiles |
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Smart Tart - Very original handbags |
Jonathan Hancock - St Just Pottery |
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Colleen Covey - Traditional Willow
Baskets
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Michel Roux - Trecarne Pottery |
Into the sunset - Alison Jones |
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Jewellery by Rose Cecil of Almost
Perfect |
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Our first show was in Nancegollan in July 2004. In December 2004 we were invited
to Cury, and in April 2005 our exhibition at Perranwell included a ‘Focus on Potters’ and an
‘Exhibition of Crowan Pottery’.
Part of
Crowan
Crafts exhibition of
Harry and May Davis pottery
In July 2005 we went to Paul, near Newlyn. The
next was at Trevarno Estate and Gardens
in October 2005. Our Christmas Exhibition was held for 2 days inside
Godolphin House in December 2005 and 2006. Christmas 2007 saw us at
Scorrier House, near Redruth. We
are booked up there again for Summer 2008 and Christmas 2008.
Check the
EVENTS
page for future ones.
We always have a tearoom – tea and cake being an essential part of the day. (We
also include home made cakes and locally produced cheeses amongst our
craftwork.)
On this site you will find details of all our artists with their
individual contact details.
We also have great pleasure in presenting an extensive site dedicated to
Crowan
Pottery and Harry and May Davis.
Many thanks to the
following:
Colleen and Ted Lay
Both
Jill Williams and Dick Smitham - for their memories
Gwenny Davis – Harry and May’s daughter – for all her help from far-off New
Zealand.
If you would like Crowan Crafts to come to your village/town,
please contact Maxine Symons at:
maxine@crowancrafts.co.uk
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