
Artist
Alison West
Alison West’s wheel-thrown ceramics blend traditional techniques with a deep respect for the natural world and a joy in the unpredictability of flame and fire. Her long-standing practice of saggar firing—a method where pots are fired inside protective containers (saggars) with foraged organic materials like plants and seaweed—leaves delicate smoke marks and organic imprints. This process embraces the unknown, with each piece bearing distinctive, atmospheric marks shaped by the firing. Her forms are influenced by both classical Greek elegance and Japanese simplicity, shaped further by several years living in Japan where she absorbed an appreciation for natural materials, process, and imperfection. Central to her work is the use of terra sigillata, an ancient Greek and Roman technique that involves creating an ultra-fine clay slip by separating the smallest particles of clay. When burnished and fired, this slip produces a smooth, glossy surface without glaze. Alison refines Devon’s wild and Ball Clays to create these slips, using this historical method in a contemporary way to highlight the natural hues and textures of the local landscape. These slips are layered over Cornish clay forms, grounding each piece in place and tradition. By combining this heritage with contemporary experimentation, Alison celebrates the novel and unexpected outcomes that arise from working with fire, clay, and nature—capturing the essence of place in every piece
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Exhibition Record
Artizan Collective at Delamore Arts 2026
Artizan Collective is proud to return to Delamore Arts for our third consecutive year in 2026. Since our partnership began in 2024, our presence within the historic grounds of Delamore has grown from a single showcase into a vibrant, multi-venue Stableyard Arts Quarter—a dedicated hub for contemporary British craft, fine art, and creative engagement. Based in the heart of the English Riviera, Artizan Collective is a social enterprise dedicated to championing the South West’s creative industries. Since 2014, we have worked from our home in Torbay—a UNESCO Global Geopark—to support hundreds of artists annually, managing cultural venues and providing essential platforms for both emerging and established talent. Our ongoing collaboration with Delamore Arts allows us to extend this mission, bringing the very best of regional and national creativity to one of the most prestigious events on the South West arts calendar. This year, Artizan Collective is delivering its most ambitious programme to date, transforming the Delamore Stable Courtyard into a destination for discovery: •Contemporary British Printmakers: Our flagship exhibition returns for its third year in the Carriage Room Gallery, celebrating the technical mastery and narrative power of original handmade prints. •The Kiln Room: Following its standout success, this dedicated space returns to showcase the "alchemy" of ceramics, from functional studio pottery to avant-garde sculptural clay. •The Old Workshop (New for 2026): Transitioning from a trial of "have-a-go" sessions into a permanent fixture, this dedicated space hosts a full month of curated exhibitions, workshops and demonstrations. •The Courtyard Shop (New for 2026): A brand-new retail experience for Delamore, showcasing "stockable" high-quality art products. From original textiles to handmade stationery, leather goods and more, it is the perfect place to find a unique, artisan-made treasure. •The Maker Takeovers: Located in "The Stalls," these rotating pop-up art spaces offer an intimate, ever-changing opportunity to meet the region’s finest artisans, watch live demonstrations, and buy direct from the creators. "Delamore Arts has become a cornerstone of our annual activity. In our third year, we are thrilled to be deepening our contribution, showcasing the incredible vibrancy of the UK’s creative community. Our commitment remains rooted in the belief that art should be engaging and accessible, and we are honoured to provide a bridge between the extraordinary artists we represent and the discerning visitors of Delamore." Through this curated showcase, we hope to not only add value to the visitor experience but also to shine a light on the incredible talent shaping the future of British art and craft. We invite you to explore, discover, and take home a piece of original creativity this May.
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