TV pottery champion to open art show at Bartle Hall

TV’s Top Potter winner Matthew Wilcock is to open an art exhibition at Bartle Hall near Preston.

Matthew, who took the top prize in BBC’s Great Pottery Throw Down, will be guest of honour at the opening of Preston Art Society’s spring show. It is being staged for the first time at Bartle Hall Country House Hotel.

“We are delighted to be moving to Bartle Hall, and thrilled that Matthew can join us for the opening of our exhibition,” said Art Society chair, Pam Potter.

“The hotel is a perfect setting for us to show off our work, and our visitors will be able to linger and enjoy it all the more because there’s plenty of free parking.”

Pam, an accomplished artist and former art lecturer, is working with hotel owners Andrew and Nicola Haworth to design the exhibition space in Bartle Hall’s elegant rooms.

“This is an exciting development for us,” said Nicola. “We think that Bartle Hall will be the ideal backdrop for the works which will be on show.” The hotel is offering a special afternoon tea deal throughout the period of the exhibition, at £28 for two, for full afternoon tea, with a drink on arrival. Coffee and cake at £3.95 will also be available.

Matthew, 23, who teaches pottery at Giggleswick School, was the youngest contestant in the TV competition. Among his tasks in the final was to make a 12 piece porcelain tea set, and create three high-shouldered jugs in just 20 minutes.

“We love his work,” said Nicola. “We are hoping that we might commission him to create some pieces for our gardens here.”

Matthew said: “This sounds like being a great event and I am really looking forward to it.”

The official opening of the exhibition will be on Thursday March 3 at 6pm. The art show will then be open daily until March 24, (not Saturdays and Sundays, or Friday March 18), from 10am till 4pm. Admission is free.

If you wish to attend the opening event, please contact Bartle Hall (01772 690506 / info@bartlehall.co.uk) and ask to be added to the guest list. Places for this are limited so please book early.

 

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