Arts & Antiques

Artist’s success thanks to online enterprise

ARTIST Tazia Fawley, aged 52, from Highbridge has enjoyed much praise for her artwork, participating in exhibitions in New York, London and Manchester. Tazia describes herself as an artist who just happens to have Down’s Syndrome and hopes that her work will challenge the limiting stereotypes of people who have the condition.

Despite Tazia’s past success, the pandemic, and ill-health within her family, have had a big impact on her life. She is no longer able to show her work in galleries and exhibitions as she once did.

Now a new online-only social enterprise, Art Rabble, is able to share Tazia’s latest paintings with art lovers around the world, along with other artists with disabilities.

Founder, Lisa Lim, said: “Tazia’s Raging River and Sunset & Flowers are best sellers on the Art Rabble website, a great source of pride for Tazia.

“Art Rabble allows Tazia to paint in the comfort of her own home in Highbridge, happy in the knowledge that the work she pours her heart and soul into, will go on to be enjoyed by audiences far and wide.”

Details: www.art-rabble.org

Flying high at art show

Artists Rich Blaker and Jenny Vestey admiring some of the kites on show during Leigh-on-Mendip’s arts and crafts fair in the village’s Memorial Hall which featured work by local residents

New gallery showcases innovative designs

ANexhibition of textiles and mixed media is being staged at Som-Art-On, a new gallery in West Street, Somerton by HEPTAD, Marie Andrews, Jenny Blackburn, Hilary Farthing, Thelma Masters and Heather Robinson.

It’s a new venue for this established group of textile artists. The group aims to dispel conventional expectations of traditional embroidery.

Their work demonstrates innovative design, incorporating fabric, thread, paper and mixed media, together with dyeing and printing.

The exhibition is open from December 6th-17th, 10am–4.30pm and on Sunday, December 18th, 10am–2pm.

Details: 01458 834113

All I want for Christmas is a jelly mould

IFyou’re planning on throwing a festive gathering this Christmas and wondering what culinary delight to serve to your guests, might I suggest a jelly? You may be sceptical but hear me out. Having spent decades in the gastronomic wasteland, the wibbly-wobbly stuff is shaking off its homespun image and enjoying a renaissance amongst the influencers of social media. For once, I’m in total agreement with the too-cool-for-school brigade.

After all, who but the most po-faced amongst us hasn’t been captivated by the sight of a spectacular shimmering jelly. Jelly provides a slice of theatre that brings out the child in everyone. Those in search of seasonal “wow” factor, should look no further.

It’s unfortunate reputation as children’s party fodder belies the fact that for centuries jelly was synonymous with the most ambitious haute cuisine. No grand Georgian banquet was complete without an array of jellies to tickle the palate.

During the Victorian era jelly making reached heights of

gravity-defying brilliance, as chefs in the great aristocratic houses and best London hotels competed to create showstopping wobblers that were as much design statements as culinary ones. Thanks to the Industrial Revolution, the British became undisputed masters of the jelly mould. Manufacturers adapted the die-stamping techniques of their colleagues in the silver trade With to the mass-production of copper moulds in elaborate shapes –CHRIS YEO each one a miniature architectural masterpiece – lined with tin. The tin was important because it stopped the taste of the copper tainting the jelly and, more importantly, prevented your guests from dropping down dead with Verdigris poisoning. By the late 19th century, manufacturers were illustrating hundreds of designs in their catalogues – fantastical, multi-tiered geometric crowns, turreted castles with scrolling minarets, embossed with all manner of birds, animals, fruits and flowers. So esteemed were British jelly moulds that chefs from the Continent were known to cross the Channel in search of the ultimate mould. They are still. Collectors have been known to pay over £1,000 for rare designs. If I find one in my stocking, I shall be very happy. Merry Christmas!

Chris Yeo is a valuer at Clevedon Salerooms and regular expert on BBC’s Antiques Roadshow Please visit the website www.clevedonsalerooms.com for more details

The fine art of valuation

“IT is the enormous variety that makes this work so interesting,” says Clevedon based Chartered Arts & Antiques Surveyor, Toby Pinn MRICS. During a year which has included the discovery in a drawer of a carved marble big toe “lifted” from a Roman sculpture on display in the Vatican Toby Pinn examines a suitably by an unscrupulous 19th seasonal 20th Century Russian century grand tourist; to a School oil on canvas watercolour valued at £350,000 for inheritance tax purposes, it has certainly been a fascinating year.

Preparing valuations of art and antiques to the stringent RICS standards has meant that Toby’s services are called upon from not only the local area, but this year he has completed certified valuation work from London to Cornwall.

For more information visit www.tobypinn.co.uk

Probate | Insurance | Auction Family & Matrimonial | CGT | General Inventory

Art trail entries are open

ARTISTSare being invited to register for the Frome Open Art Trail 2023, which will run from Saturday, July 8th16th, at the same time as the annual Frome Festival.

Artists will open their studios in the town and surrounding villages exhibiting the fruits of their creativity including paintings, sculpture, textiles, ceramics, glass work, photography, jewellery and metal work.

Entry to all venues is free. The trail brochure, with opening times, maps and listings of all participating artists, plus local galleries and art retail outlets, is a great tour-planning aid.

The distinctive art trail logo is inspired by the Art Nouveau lamps around Frome. Their ornate leaf pattern is a design by the Cockey family, who started up by casting church bells in 1685.

Frome had gas street-lighting as early as 1831. The listed lamps are unique to Frome’s rich and varied industrial history.

Details: https://www.frome-open-art-trail.co.uk

The most wonderful time of the year

IT’S a time of focusing on family and friends as we run up to the seasonal celebrations, we’d like to wish all readers a merry Christmas.

At Dore & Rees we have you covered for ideas for gifts for your nearest and dearest. The December calendar includes something for everyone with jewellery, watches and automobilia auctions, starting estimates range from £20 to £20,000.

The Fine Watches and Jewellery live auction on December 6th has lots of sparkles and diamonds to tempt us. Top lot is a a brilliant cut and baguette cut diamond ring at 5.3 carats and an estimate of £20,000-£30,000. A Georgian shell cameo necklace, circa 1800, will appeal to those with a love of the antique and is offered with an estimate of £4,000-£5,000. An elegant Rolex Cellini wristwatch cuts a dash at £900-£1,100.

The timed online Jewellery auction will go live on November 29 and end from 2pm on December 7th; it is the perfect gifting auction. It features antique and costume pieces with well known names such as Butler and Wilson and Chanel represented. Lots of fun pieces pepper the auction offering affordable, colourful and wearable gift ideas. Estimates start at £20.

If you and your loved one are attracted to the world of motoring, the automobilia live auction on December 13th will offer you lots of choice. From posters to mascots to models and more, your favourite marques and makers will be represented. A Bugatti Automobiles et Autorails poster by Geri circa 1938 is offered at an estimate of £650-£750. An Alfa-Romeo P2 tin plate toy by CIJ will bring back memories of younger years and is offered at £2,000-£3,000.

FINE JEWELLERY AND WATCHES

Live auction: Tuesday 6 December at 10:30am

JEWELLERY

Timed online auction: starts 29 November, ends from 2:00pm on Wednesday 7 December Viewing for both auctions: Saturday 3 December & Sunday 4 December 11:00am to 3:00pm; Monday 5 December 10:00am to 4:00pm

AUTOMOBILIA

Live auction: Tuesday 13 December at 10:30am Viewing: Monday 12 December 10:00am to 4:00pm Keep an eye on www.doreandrees.com or follow us on Instagram (doreandrees_auctions) and Facebook (Dore & Rees) to keep in touch with events and auctions. AN ARTS AND CRAFTS CHRYSOPRASE, RUBY, DIAMOND AND GOLD PENDANT

ESTIMATE: £5,000 - £7,000

FINE JEWELLERY AND WATCHES

6 DECEMBER

10:30am

VIEWING Saturday 3 December 11:00am to 3:00pm Sunday 4 December 11:00am to 3:00pm Monday 5 December 10:00am to 4:00pm

www.doreandrees.com enquiries@doreandrees.com 01373 462 257

Dore & Rees Auction Salerooms Vicarage Street Frome BA11 1PU

Blooming Blagdon

HUNDREDSof paper flowers appeared in Blagdon at the beginning of November to celebrate the Dia de los Meurtos, or Day of the Dead. This was the first new event from the recently formed Blagsaey Arts CIC, which has been behind pop-up installations around Blagdon over the past few years and Blagdon Lantern Parade. A representative said: “We were always helping each other out with projects so thought it made sense to combine into one.

“We’re currently looking at taking over the running of the Blagdon Advent Windows and of course prepping for 2023’s lantern parade.”

Details: blagsaey@gmail.com Blagsaey Whatsapp 01761 462 463

Guild’s “winter warmer” offer

THE Somerset Guild of Craftsmen gallery in Wells will be offering a 10% discount off all purchases –and free gift wrapping – at its “Winter Warmer” event on Wednesday, December 7th. These are exciting times at the guild as makers bring together their work for the festive season. New work by glass artist Claire Hall is particularly stunning and Rod Page has Christmas at the Somerset Guild of Craftsmen just delivered his exquisite and intricate latticework bowls. They also have Anna Falkes’s famous wristees, now available in children's sizes, the perfect stocking filler in all the colours of the rainbow – including rainbow!

During December the guild will be showcasing a gift-a-day on its Facebook page so do give them a follow.

A spokesperson for the guild said: “We look forward to helping you with your gift buying and are happy to offer personal shopping and, of course, gift wrapping.”

Diamond ring sells for a staggering £54,000

THENovember 5th auction of Fine Art, Silver & Jewellery at the Mendip Auction Rooms was a huge success, including jewellery selling for excellent prices.

The star of the show was a gold and diamond ring with a weight of 4.17cts which was met with strong bidding from across the world with many internet bidders, excellent interest in the room and five telephone bidders.

After fierce bidding, the ring sold to an Israeli buyer for a staggering £54,000 (including Buyers Premium).

Notable prices were achieved for other pieces of jewellery including a further 18ct gold and diamond seven stone half-eternity ring and a pair of 18ct gold and diamond solitaire stud earrings, which achieved £1,600 and £1,100 respectively. Many pieces sold for prices in excess of £1,000.

An excellent entry of watches and clocks had been received and there was strong interest for the array of watches on show. A Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 18ct gold ladies wristwatch achieved £4,600 whilst a further vintage gentleman’s Rolex Oyster date precision manual wind wristwatch made £1,400. A charming Victorian 18ct gold cased open face pocket watch sold for £1,150.

The team were delighted to see strong interest for collectable items with a 19th/20th century Chinese Imperial silk dragon robe achieving a notable price of £2,600 being sold to a buyer from Chicago.

A bible, imprinted in London by Robert Baker in 1603, realised £850. Quality ceramic pieces continued to attract interest with a Zsolnay Pecs Art Nouveau pottery green glazed vase making £1,100 and a further Art Nouveau blue glazed ewer realising £740.

Killens are now consigning for their future sales. For valuations and sales advice, please contact our specialists or call into the auction rooms.

Details: enquiries@mendipauctionrooms.co.uk 01749 840770

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7, Cliff Street, Cheddar, BS27 3PT 01934 744333 info@atlasacc.co.uk • www.atlasacc.co.uk

Festive Night in Cheddar

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MAKEa date in your diaries for Friday, December 2nd when, as usual, Cheddar will be lit up and buzzing for its highly popular and much-loved Festive Night! The fun will start at 6pm with the launching of a rocket from St Andrew’s Church tower following a church service at 5.30pm to announce the beginning of the festivities.

This year, there will be a host of events for all the family to enjoy, including a hog roast and choir outside The Bath Arms Hotel, carols and seasonal fayre at the Methodist Church and an open-air street market in the Cliff Street car park.

Many of the shops in Bath Street will be staying open late while in the gorge itself, retailers, eateries and pubs will be opening their doors, alongside numerous stalls.

At the top of the gorge, Cheddar Caves will also be joining in the fun, with singing in the caves, mulled wine in the café and more opportunities for shopping in its gift shop.

Gough’s Cave will be open to visitors for a £5 donation to Avon & Somerset Search and Rescue.

Santa will be travelling, as usual, on Cheddar Fire Service’s sleigh so keep a look out for him as he makes his way around the village!

December

Cheddar’s warm space

Some of the volunteers

CHEDDARhas opened a warm space at Hannah More Cottage in Lower North Street, where people can gather for free to enjoy a hot drink and company.

It’s open every Tuesday, 10am-12noon. Cheddar parish council is providing the venue and it’s run by volunteers from Cheddar Vale Lions Club and Cheddar Valley Churches.

Organisers say: “For those worrying about how to afford basic essentials like food and heating, we offer a warm welcome and friendly chat.”

Rubble at mill –landmark disappears

COX’SMill Hotel, in Cheddar Gorge, is being demolished after standing empty for years. Owners, Longleat, say repairs would have cost too much.

It will become a car park, with some landscaping, though future development of the site hasn’t been ruled out.

Christmas wonderland

CHEDDARArts Quarter is bringing Window Wonderland to the Cheddar Valley for the third year, promising some stunning displays.

It’s been commissioned by the arts charity, Seed, and is sponsored by Cheddar Parish Council. It’s an event that brings neighbourhoods together, helping to reduce social isolation and inspire creativity.

The community arts centre at the foot of the Gorge provides artists’ studios, shop, gallery and community classes.

The event will take place from December 1st–11th, 6-8pm.

Purple for polio

FORthe second year running and to celebrate World Polio Day, members of the Rotary Club of Mendip planted 4,000 purple crocus corms on the island in Cheddar Gorge.

When these plants bloom it will remind passers-by about the continuing work of Rotary to eradicate polio from the planet.

From more than 125 countries and 350,000 cases of poliovirus in 1988, there remain only two countries with endemic polio, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Until the end of September this year there have only been 27 cases of the wild polio virus.

But as long as a single child remains infected, children in all countries are at risk of contracting this terrible disease. So Rotary continues its work in conjunction with UNICEF, the World Health Organisation, the Gates Foundation and others.

Most of Mendip Rotary’s projects are local, benefitting the community of the Cheddar Valley.

Details: mendiprotaryenquiries@gmail.com

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Kings of Wessex, Cheddar

Pupils and staff pay their respects on Armistice Day

Tree of Light

CHEDDARVale Lions Club’s Tree of Light is now in its tenth year and will be lit on Wednesday, December 7th, 5.30pm at the Bath Arms in the village.

It gives members of the local community the chance to sponsor a light in aid of a loved one. All proceeds will be used to support organisations in the Cheddar Valley area.

The club meets on the second Thursday of each month at the Sharpham Road Community Pavilion.

Details: President Sylvia Cook • information@ cheddarvalelions.org.uk • www.cheddarvalelions.org.uk

Cheddar Gorged

SEANWilson, the Coronation Street actor, turned chef and award-winning cheese maker, shares his passion for Cheddar cheese in a unique recipe book featuring contemporary dishes with the nation’s favourite cheese.

A modern cookbook that gorges on Cheddar, he fuses Cheddar with dishes from around the world. Some of the 60 delicious recipes are quick and easy to rustle up, others are for the more adventurous home cook, but all are achievable when you know how to source great Cheddar.