Art in Clay Hatfield

Art in Clay Hatfield is the largest ceramics event in the UK. Showcasing work by 200 carefully selected makers. Now in its 22nd year, the festival continues its highly successful formula of individual makers’ stands, workshops and demonstrations held in a series of marquees in the gardens of the Jacobean Hatfield House.

New to the show this year are Souzana Petri from Cyprus, winner of the 2015 Potclays Student Award (University of Brighton) and David Millidge with his colourful sculptural ceramics. Showing alongside them are makers ranging from established names such as Peter Hayes, Robin Welch and Svend Bayer to younger talent including Kent based potter Ana Simmons, who makes beautifully subtle wood fired domestic pots, and Jane Cairns whose abstract surface textures give her work an attractive ‘voice’.

As well as British-based makers, exhibitors also include international names such as the ceramicists Niek Hoogland and Willy van Bussel, and this combination of established, up-and-coming, British and overseas makers means that alongside old favourites there will be less familiar work giving the show an injection of creative freshness and excitement. This eclectic mix is enhanced by the variety of styles and techniques on show with exhibits ranging from the domestic to the sculptural, the tiny to the monumental, the traditional to the distinctly cutting-edge.

A must for serious ceramics collectors, Art in Clay Hatfield is also a great day out for the non-specialist. Browsing the huge number of stands is a perfect introduction to the world of contemporary ceramics and the range of objects on show means that there is something for everyone here. Anyone wishing to learn more about the pieces can talk to the individual makers about the work in a friendly and informal atmosphere. It’s an enjoyable way of learning about this fascinating field at first hand and for those who are interested in discovering more there are a series of maker demonstrations and technical talks.

Children are particularly welcome at Art in Clay Hatfield and there are a series of hands-on events specifically designed to appeal to younger visitors (older visitors are also welcome). In the Throw-a-Pot marquee they can try out their hand at working on a potter’s wheel under the guidance of an experienced potter, while in the Make and Take area they can experiment with making their own sculptural ceramics. And if it all gets too much for them, they can take time out from ceramics to explore the surrounding parkland and nearby children’s play area.

Opening Times:
Friday & Saturday 10am - 5.30pm Sunday 10am - 5pm

Admission Prices:
Adult £10 00 Concession £9.50 Two-Day Ticket £17.50
Three-Day Ticket £25.00 Child 15yrs and under FREE

For more information visit http://www.artinclay.co.uk/