Gordon Cooke Ceramics for Sale in the garden.
Gordon Cooke has been teaching Ceramics for the last 30 years. His own designs are influenced from travel imagery and from being in his garden. I was lucky to catch up with him earlier this week, and get a sneaky peek at the beautiful space and ceramics that are tucked away in his garden in Sale, Manchester.
Gordon says ” The study of plants and observations of their growth and habit; the actual leaf or stem and more general observations of decay and change of the seasons give ideas for pots and sculpture ”
” My aim is to make pots and sculptures which have the same complete ‘rightness’ that is found in plants. Each plant has a structure and habit unique to it and any deviation from that would be immediately apparent. Containers for plants which relate in form, colour and texture to plants and their natural environment are a mainstay of my stoneware production.”
Not all of the pieces are forms designed as containers, these being far more sculptural.
Some of Gordon’s forms are made in series, sometimes evolving over months or years.
He takes part in the National Garden Scheme. Along with the help of his partner who is also a Ceramist, Gordon opens up his beautiful garden to the public, with pots and pieces for sale and a whole host of other makers and designers work that they exhibit in their home.
PREVIEW EVENING : THURSDAY 31st MAY between 7 – 9 pm
The exhibition continues EVERY DAY until 10 June at 2 – 5 pm each day
at 17 Poplar Grove, Sale, Cheshire. M33 3AX
0161 969 9816 for enquiries. Free admission
If you miss this then be sure to catch one of the
CHARITY GARDEN OPENINGS
on 19th & 20th May 2-5 each day
Adults £3.50. Children free
Home made Teas and Plants for sale.
It is a stunning space and if the weather is anything like it was today, it will be an amazing afternoon out.
Many thanks to Gordon and Ian for letting me photograph their beautiful garden.
If you like this story, I blogged about another similar garden which is also open to the public for charity here.