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Group workshop with ceramicist Jon Williams at Eastnor Pottery. Photo credit: Chris Smart. 1/25 -
Ian practising throwing with Jon Williams. Photo credit: Chris Smart. 2/25 -
Group workshop with textile artist Barbara Fidoe. Photo credit: Chris Smart. 3/25 -
Cyril and Barbara Fidoe screenprinting. Photo credit: Chris Smart. 4/25 -
Group workshop with willow artist Laura Ellen Bacon. Photo credit: Chris Smart. 5/25 -
Group workshop with willow artist Laura Ellen Bacon. Photo credit: Chris Smart. 6/25 -
Anthony and Robert visit wood turner Ray Key. Photo credit: Chris Smart. 7/25 -
Anthony's bowl by Ray Key in his home. Photo credit: Chris Smart. 8/25 -
Glass artist Dominic Cooney making a commission for Sharon. Photo credit: Chris Smart. 9/25 -
Sharon's glasses by Sheldon Cooney in her home. Photo credit: Chris Smart. 10/25 -
Edwin and Simon visit ceramicist Bridget Drakeford. Photo credit: Chris Smart. 11/25 -
Edwin with his teapot by Bridget Drakeford. Photo credit: Chris Smart. 12/25 -
Edwin's teapot by Bridget Drakeford in his home. Photo credit: Chris Smart. 13/25 -
Jeanne with her vase by Kathryn Pearce. Photo credit: Chris Smart. 14/25 -
Jeanne's vases by Kathryn Pearce in her home. Photo credit: Chris Smart. 15/25 -
Sue with her teapot by Cathy Miles. Photo credit: Chris Smart. 16/25 -
Sue's teapot by Cathy Miles in her home. Photo credit: Chris Smart. 17/25 -
John with his car by John Grayson. Photo credit: Chris Smart. 18/25 -
John's car by John Grayson in his home. Photo credit: Chris Smart. 19/25 -
Penny with her bird by Val Hunt. Photo credit: Chris Smart. 20/25 -
Penny's bird by Val Hunt in her home. Photo credit: Chris Smart. 21/25 -
Judith with her jewellery by Yoko Izawa. Photo credit: Chris Smart. 22/25 -
Judith's necklace by Yoko Izawa (detail). Photo credit: Chris Smart. 23/25 -
Matt with his teapot and mug by Ruth Franklin. Photo credit: Chris Smart. 24/25 -
Matt's teapot and mug by Ruth Franklin in his home. Photo credit: Chris Smart. 25/25
At Home II 2006
Following the success of the 2002 version; At Home II was an action research project which worked with two community groups. These were clients of the Mayday Trust, a charity that provides supported housing for vulnerable adults; and tenants from Rugby Borough Council’s Sheltered Housing Complex (the JACEA Club). Over six months during 2006 Craftspace and Rugby Art Gallery and Museum introduced both groups to different craft forms. Sessions included discussions, slide shows, practical taster sessions with makers, a visit to potter Jon Williams’ studio and a visit to the Harley Gallery in Worksop.
These activities helped the participants develop an understanding of contemporary craft. It also gave them confidence to commission an object with the support of the project coordinator, Michaela McMillan. Most of the participants spoke to or met their makers to view design choices and some were able to visit the maker in their studio to see their piece being made.
When the participants were given their commissions to take home they felt that having contact with the maker built a stronger connection with their piece of work. All of the makers involved in direct commissioning have been generous with their time and their support of the individuals. Many of the participants had never commissioned craft before but now feel it is a simple and rewarding process.
After a month of living with and using their craft objects they were visited by staff from Rugby Art Gallery and Museum, Craftspace, writer Kate McIntyre and photographer Chris Smart. The finished commissions were exhibited with Made in the Middle at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum and then returned to the participants for good.
You can see more about this project and read Kate McIntre's essay in the publication for Made in the Middle 2006 in the catalogue section of this website: Catalogues
