CLAY FROM AROUND THE WORLD

A selection of the world's clays gathered to date

A selection of the world's clays gathered to date

Clay diggers and bearers continue to source clay from around the world. Champion clay bearer, Terry Noel, has brought clay from Austria, Norway, Trinidad, Azerbaijan, and Turkey. Collected from countries where he and his band, the BT Melodians, travel to play steel pans.

Terry Noel and Cristo Adonis collect clay in Trinidad

Terry Noel and Cristo Adonis collect clay in Arima, Trinidad

Most recent clay arrivals have been relayed to London by retired medics Bruce and Sarah Noble from a pottery in Marginea, Romania.  The clay was exchanged for a drawing by Bruce of the potter, Corneliu Magopat.

Corneliu Magopat at the wheel.  Ceramica Marginea, Romania

Corneliu Magopat at the wheel. Ceramica Marginea, Romania

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What on Earth is Clay? Schools across London shape their own enquiry

Clayground has just completed a marathon exploration of the creative potential of clay with 11 schools across London, from Southall in the West to Rainham in the East, Enfield in the North and Lewisham in the South.  Clayground specialises in working with artists and experts with different specialist knowledge.  All points of the compass on clay have been covered: we have dug and refined, developed making skills and explored the history and potential of clay through archaeology, story-building, sculpture, film animation, geography, maths, even movement and dance.  Children have exchanged information and artefacts with schools in other countries including South Africa and USA.  What on Earth is Clay? was funded by A New Direction, an organisation that provides ways for young Londoners to access arts and culture.   Continue reading