The Marshes

2 April to 25 June 2016 : join us for the opening on Friday 1st April from 6-8pm

​Reclaimed land, largely created by longshore drift and in particular the winter storms of 1287, the area from Rye to Hythe is sandwiched between the English Channel and the Royal Military Canal. Famous for the Romney Marsh Sheep, this mix of rich agricultural land, saltmarshes, shingle beaches and freshwater tributaries is a haven for wildlife, an important resting place for migrating winter birds.
Marshes stretch along Britain’s East Coast and these diverse habitats are home to many wildlife artists as well as the nesting birds. Sketching from life brings a spontaneity, enabling the artist to identify not just the markings and shape, but also the posture and pose.
Such landscapes are rarely still and yet have a tranquility that captivates the painter: draw close to admire the marks expressing the wind in the reeds and gently flowing waters; stand back to experience the atmosphere, the wide open skies and the misty moody levels. Romney Marsh, Faversham Creek, the Fens and rural Northumberland have all supplied inspiration.

It is the final moment that is so exciting to a ceramic artist, the balance between control and the magic of fire. Whether through softness and luminosity created by the gentle fusing and shifting of glazes or the fierce smoky smelly salt firing requiring constant, close attention over a 39 hour period. There is a long process of observation, hand building, incising, burnishing, each type of clay reacting to the heat, oxides and glazes in a unique way, each artist choosing and understanding their level of influence.

​Jewellers are once again becoming more adventurous with observation and design featuring strongly. Traditional precious metals and stone are supplemented with copper, ceramics, resin, perspex and rubber.