Glasgow: City of Design

While everyone was in London for the design fair, myself and others unable to make it, were asked to have our own design fair in our city, Glasgow.

Myself and Emily decided to explore the South Sides quirky, unique gift shops. We spent an afternoon walking through Shawlands and Pollokshaws, stopping in any wee shops that caught our attention. I was particularly drawn to these lovely mugs in Burnfield bakery, designed by Claire Henry, a Glasgow based potterer who sells quite simple but very beautiful ceramics.

Wild Gorse Pottery

GodShot Studio

These ceramics got me very curious of the different pottery processed, so Emily and I booked into a beginners spin wheel class at the Craft Pottery. During the beginners class we were taught how to throw and centre the clay and the different techniques to shape our pieces. Unfortunately, during the class we didn't learn about trimming and glazing but I am now very keen to learn.

During the week we also visited a few of Glasgow's free museum including the transport museum, Kelvingrove and the Burrell collection. Whilst at the Burrell collection we attended a talk about the use of colour in Chinese ceramics, recommended by Hugh. This talk was very interesting, it covered the 5 elements which correspond to different colours; metal (white); earth (yellow); fire (red); wood (blue); water (black)