Notes from Herridge – Edition 02
Hello, and welcome to the latest edition of Notes from Herridge
A short monthly ritual from the studio where I’ll share what I’ve been working on, where I’m heading next, and spotlight a fellow maker whose work I love (and I hope you will too!).
Grab a coffee and lets catch up.
Studio Happenings
It’s been a busy few weeks in the studio; thank you for all the kind feedback and orders after the shop update on 17th July. It’s always lovely to meet new customers, but returning ones really are a joy. Your continued support of small-batch handmade ceramics means the world.
Since the last edition, the summer supper clubs at Cuxham Mill have taken place! It's such a pleasure to see my pottery doing what it’s made for: bringing people together around a table.
One of the big highlights this month has been throwing my biggest ever pot; a 6kg hug vase (I keep wanting to call it a hug jug… but it’s definitely not a jug!) made as a special 10th wedding anniversary commission. The couple came to the studio with their children to create it together, all four of them hugging the form, leaving chin dimples, fingerprints, and a whole lot of love. It’s the kind of piece that reminds me why I do what I do. I'll share more once finished.
I’m also working on a three-piece handmade feasting bowl set as a joint wedding gift from a group of friends. Each bowl is different in size, shape and finish, but all three have the couple’s initials impressed into the base. The middle bowl also carries their wedding date and venue. The wedding isn’t until September, so I’ll share photos after the big day.
What’s Coming Up
Next up is the Henley Country Craft Show at Stonor Park, running over the August bank holiday weekend. I’ll be there alongside the brilliant David Wright under the banner South Oxfordshire Potters.
I’m currently busy preparing; with a little help from my 6-year-old nephew, who joined me last week in the studio to help make some herb label prototypes (which are now in the kiln, fingers firmly crossed). If they turn out well, I’m hoping they’ll be a sweet, budget-friendly option for visitors; perfect as a treat for yourself or a thoughtful little gift for hosts, instead of the usual bottle of wine. I'll of course also have my usual array of feasting bowls, cake stands, mugs and more.
If you know me, you’ll know that alongside clay, my great loves are gardening and good food; so I try to make pieces that are at home in both. Selfish? Maybe. But they’re what I love, and I think that comes through in the work.
Also exciting for anyone based near Wallingford: I’m developing a line of personalised pet bowls in collaboration with Benson Tack and Feed. Customers will soon be able to place custom orders directly through the shop — choosing size, finish, and the name of their beloved pet. More on that in the next couple of weeks.
Maker Spotlight – Susie Bidgood
This month’s spotlight is the incredible Susie Bidgood.
I first came across Susie’s work a few years ago and was instantly drawn to her delicate, sculptural forms and meticulous surface decoration. So it was a real treat, and quite frankly a 'pinch me moment' to spend ten days with her during Oxfordshire Art Weeks, where we happened to be showing at the same venue.
Since then, I’ve also been lucky enough to visit Susie’s studio, which she affectionately describes as her “fairy castle,” perhaps because of the magic that happens in there. I was struck by the playfulness of her approach: she keeps a shelf of “ideas,” pieces that didn’t quite hit the mark for sale, but still hold kernels of inspiration she wants to explore further.
Susie’s work is what I’d call quietly powerful; the shapes are strong enough to hold their own, but the detail is where the magic happens. I was mesmerised watching her patiently carve the most intricate grid patterns through layers of slip. Her attention to detail, commitment to the process, and sheer craftsmanship are deeply inspiring; especially to someone like me, with the attention span of a gnat!
If you’re not already following her, do go take a look — she’s one to watch.
If there’s a maker, potter or otherwise, local or further afield, whose work you think deserves the spotlight, I’d love to hear from you. Just comment below with their name. And if I can get to their studio, I absolutely will! Stepping into someone’s creative space brings a whole new layer of insight. You see the context, the process, and what the work gives back to the maker, it’s always deeply rewarding.
A little something just for you…
As a thank you for reading all the way down, here’s a small treat:
Use code NOTES02 for 10% off online orders until Sunday 11th August.
Until next time,
Henrietta x