May 2024

Fritz Fryer, the lighting company based in Ross on Wye, asked us to consider Herefordshire when designing a lighting piece for their showroom exhibition.

I was and still am inspired by the Godwin & Co’s tiles which are present in the Hereford Cathedral and in Lugwardine. Beautiful encaustic tiles which have a variety of different geometric designs on them.

The technique of encaustic tiles is fascinating and involves using two different coloured clays to make a design, so that when trodden on for tens of years the design remains. It inspired me to attempt the same technique on a thrown form, instead with locally dug Herefordshire clay as the slip that filled my design.

The glaze on the inside instead became the real highlight of my piece. A mixture of glazes that I created resulting in phase separation where you see the drops of glazes flowing down the inside of the form.

My throwing was rather elementary at this stage, with no formal teaching just ‘playing about on the wheel’ as much as I could. I would like to return to this project with my skill level now and reattempt making pendant lamps.

Seeing my work surrounded by my peers within the space of Fritz Fryers showroom was an inspiring moment. Objects like this that enhance the everyday with tactility and a connection to the outside bring a sense of peace to me. I hope my work can convey the same.

Lighting is such an essential part of our lives. The sun is glorious, so how do we bring this warmth into the home? What are your lights like and what feeling do you want them to convey?