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Arts & Crafts
Arts&Crafts Local legend celebrated
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The Shropshire town of Whitchurch is honouring one of its local heroes this March by launching a new one-day festival in his name
From Hey-Diddle-Diddle… the Dish running away with the Spoon A Frog He Would a-Wooing Go was one of a series of picture books by Caldecott published by F Warne
Whitchurch is preparing to mark the works of an extraordinary local hero this month at the inaugural Caldecott Arts Festival. The family-friendly festival is set to honour the life and works of Randolph Caldecott, who from humble beginnings in Whitchurch in the mid-1800s went on to become one of the most renowned artists in his field in the world. His work has inspired generations of illustrators, including Beatrix Potter, the much-loved creator of Peter Rabbit. In fact, an original oil painting by Caldecott still hangs in Potter’s house, together with two prints from his picture books,
Despite his family’s expectations for him to follow a more traditional career path, Caldecott was determined to become an illustrator and make his dream a reality.
Spreading the word
The celebratory one-day event takes place on Saturday 19th March, at locations across the town. It has even attracted the attention of the international arts community – American author Leonard Marcus, New York Times book critic and expert on children’s literature, will be flying in from New York to share his thoughts on Caldecott’s
works and will be linking live to the US as part of the event.
Norma Raynes, chair of the festival committee said: “We are so excited to be bringing this inaugural festival to the people of Whitchurch, Shropshire and the Border counties. So many people aren’t aware of his wonderful work and we want to change that.
“Caldecott inspired all of us to not only follow our dreams but to understand that giving up is never an option. His influence goes further than his illustrations and we are so happy to honour his life in this way.
“There will be bookable events throughout the day such as illustration
and cartoon workshops, drawing competitions and art activities, as well as an exhibition of Caldecott’s work. It’s a hugely familyfriendly day out and we hope everyone will come along and enjoy all that the festival has to offer.”
For details, email info@
caldecottfestival.org.uk
or call 07900 051215.
Above: Norma Raynes, festival organiser Left: Froggy charms pretty Miss Mousey
Steeled for success
A local art student has seen his vision come to life after winning a competition to design a sculpture, now on show in Deeside
Luka with his winning sculpture
Coleg Cambria student Luka Mitchell’s prize-winning design was created to celebrate the 125th anniversary of pioneering steel company Tata. The artwork now takes pride of place in the gardens at Tata’s Shotton site, following an unveiling ceremony.
Entrants to the competition were tasked with capturing the spirit of the company, its place in the community and its evolution onto the international stage over the past century and more. Luka, currently studying A Levels in Maths, Physics and Product Design at Deeside Sixth Form Centre, was thrilled to win the £1,000 prize, and honoured to have his vision become part of the site for posterity.
Cutting-edge concept
Vicky Barwis, vice principal for work-based learning and employer engagement at Coleg Cambria, congratulated him on emerging victorious ahead of so many talented young learners. She added: “We have a long-standing relationship with Tata Steel and are absolutely delighted to see one of our students come up with such a breathtaking concept. Luka’s design hit the brief and he spoke passionately about what it would mean for him to see his sculpture win the competition. It encapsulates the spirit of Tata Steel and its pivotal role in the North Wales community over the last 125 years – well done, Luka.”
The piece was manufactured out of Tata Steel’s own steel products and brought to life by the college’s fabrication and welding team at Deeside. Bill Duckworth, Tata site manager at Shotton, said the “distinctive and compelling” installation shows the true spirit of the company. “In celebrating the part the works have played in the community, and will play in the future, it was important to us to have that brought to life through the vision and talent of those who live and work in the area too.”
‘From Birkenhead to Anglesey: an artist rediscovered’, Williamson Art Gallery, Birkenhead. Extended until 2nd April, Galleries 4 and 5
This exhibition brings together for the fi rst time George Cockram’s paintings from across his career, from the 1880s to the 1940s. By the early 1890s, Cockram (1861-1950) was a successful artist with an established reputation. He regularly commanded three fi gure sums for his works, a substantial amount for the period. Presented chronologically, this exhibition recognises Cockram’s accomplishments and begins to redress his recent obscurity. Born at 51 Thomas Street, close to the centre of Birkenhead, Cockram studied at Liverpool School of Art under John Finnie between 1876 and 1884. He regularly exhibited at the Royal Academy in London, the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool and Conwy’s Royal Cambrian Academy, as well as in exhibitions in Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, and as far afi eld as New Zealand.
‘Tales from Terracottapolis’, featuring Paul Eastwood, Antony Gormley, Lesley James, Lydia Meehan, Renee So and Liam Stokes-Massey, Ty Pawb, Wrexham. Until 11th June
Wrexham’s considerable contribution to the story of brick, tile and terracotta manufacture forms the foundation for this absorbing exhibition. From the mid19th century up to as late as 2008, Wrexham was known worldwide for the manufacture and distribution of bricks, tiles and terracotta products. Nicknamed ‘Terracottapolis’, the city produced distinctive red bricks and decorative tiles that have been used extensively in some of the grandest buildings across the British Isles. The exhibition will utilise artefacts from Wrexham Museum’s collection, complemented by contemporary works from local artists. A highlight will be The Brick Man by Antony Gormley, creator of the Angel of the North sculpture in Gateshead. The Brick Man is a 6ft model for a proposed 120ft sculpture that was selected from a competition for an inner-city site near Leeds City Station in the late 1980s.
Birmingham Art Circle Exhibition, The Granary Art Gallery, Weston Park, Shropshire. Until 31st March
Birmingham Art Circle was founded in 1879 and this exhibition represents the group’s fi rst visit to the Granary. Comprising a number of highly regarded Birmingham artists, the group will be fi lling the gallery with many di erent styles and mediums, including painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics and photography. Members’ work will be for sale in this kaleidoscope of artistic talent. 11am-4pm. Entry free.
(Keith Turley RBSA)
1st March, Angel Wings
Lisa will be here with her holistic items and jewellery, some made using her crystals, which she is happy to advise on.
4th March, Weaving with Trevor Blackburn
Trevor has some gorgeous scarves and shawls, hand-woven using yarns such as camel, alpaca, wool and silk. He is always happy to pause and chat about his wonderful craft.
5th & 6th March, Spinning Masterclass with Jenni Frost
For those who fancy having a go under Jenni’s expert tuition, please book direct with Jenni at jennifrost@outlook.com.
11th March, Memory Bears by Margaret Sutherland, Stitchwork
by Marie Peck Margaret makes mohair bears, which she dresses in little outfi ts using fabrics from children’s clothes, keeping cherished memories alive. Marie creates appliqué, sewn cards and pictures from seaglass.
March 17th & 18th, Eco Jewellery by Sandra Roberts
Sandra uses reclaimed silver for her unique designs, which are fi nished with pretty stones.
30th March, Crafty
Sisters The ladies have some quirky gifts, plus jewellery in stunning colours.
2nd & 3rd April, Thelma Evans
Local artist Thelma creates mainly fl oral scenes in pastels. She is happy to chat, and to take commissions.
16th-18th April, Gill Benjamin
Stunning artwork by a local artist of places of interest, landscapes and seascapes, plus some cute hand-painted wooden houses.
21st & 22nd April, Elaine at
Cherry Bea and Liz Elaine makes jewellery and Liz her stylish bags. Both are happy to chat.
PHOTO COMPETITION
What a brilliant response we’ve had to our latest competition. We have only been able to t a few of our favourites in to these pages as we were inundated! You obviously all enjoy snapping the birdlife in your gardens and out and about across the patch, as ‘Winter Wonderland’ proved a popular theme. We hope you are just as inspired by this month’s competition as we’re giving you the challenge of capturing some great action shots. So with the title ‘On e Move’, get out there and snap away! Please send all your entries to us here at editorial@shiremagazine.co.uk – good luck! by Helen Marde
by Ken Lawrence
by Helen Marde by K hryn Ha
by Sue H chings
by Steven Davi
