elliothallenamels.co.uk

ELLIOT HALL
ENAMELS
2011
CLUB ISSUE 2
Welcome to Fusion Issue Two
Elliot Hall writes:
‘Thank you for all your kind messages and comments about the launch of Club Fusion and our
first issue of the magazine. We are delighted that you are as excited about our new Friends Club
as we are and we will endeavour to keep you as updated as possible about our latest releases and
news. Please don’t forget to keep checking our website for the latest details about products and
events.
‘Our first events take place this year in celebration of our fifth anniversary and we hope to
meet as many Friends as possible over the next few months.The last few weeks have been hectic
preparing our very first event exclusive – we hope you love the Poppy Ginger Jar as much as we
do.
‘Tiffany and I look forward to seeing you at events but if you are not able to attend do not
hesitate to let us know your thoughts about our latest pieces or enamels in general.’
Yours
Elliot
Elliot Hall Enamels 5th Anniversary Events
‘An explosion of summer’ is the best way to describe the gorgeous ginger jar by Sandra Selby
designed in celebration of the fifth anniversary of Elliot Hall Enamels. Sandra’s design
combining rich red poppies, delicate daisies and bumble bees against a sky blue ground takes
inspiration from the landscape surrounding the Halls’ Worcestershire home.
The popular Ginger Jar shape has been chosen as the first ever event day enamel from Elliot
Hall Enamels and it will only be available from retailers hosting the five anniversary events.The
Ginger Jars will be a numbered edition.The events are spread throughout the summer and the
country and hopefully this will allow every collector the chance to attend at least one of the days.
A fabulous selection of Elliot Hall Enamels will also be available at each event, including unique
one off pieces.
For more information and to reserve your place at one or more event contact the retailer direct or
Tiffany on 07974 444412, email: [email protected] or write to her at Unit F1A, Blackpole East, Blackpole Road, Blackpole,WorcesterWR3 8SG.
Sorellie
This event has already taken place and it was an overwhelming success with collectors coming
from far and wide to attend. Collectors really appreciated meeting Sandra Selby and talking to
her about her work
Ashwood Nurseries - 9th July 2011
11.00am - 3.00pm
Goviers Sidmouth - Date to be confirmed
Dipples - 12th November 2011
10.00am - 5.00pm
Claris’s - 1st October 2011
12.00am - 3.00pm
British Wildlife Collection
Designed and Hand painted By Sandra Selby Worldwide Limited Edition of 50 – 45mm Diameter R.R.P £185 each
1
Poppy Event Day Exclusive
RRP £299 H50mm
Designed & Hand Painted by Sandra Selby
Bramble and Freckle is the start of a collection of BritishWildlife boxes produced exclusively
for Sorellie.To reserve yours today please contact Danielle or Jacqueline Tel 01737 244182.
Sorellie 13 Bell Street, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 7AD
2
The Marriage of Miss Catherine Middleton to HRH Prince William
HT3L-L – Love Birds
Edition size 25
RRP £525
H.90mm
Nigel Creed
‘A cavalcade of English Life’ wrote Allison Pearson in The Daily Telegraph the day after the
wedding of PrinceWilliam to Catherine Middleton and I think the majority of spectators
would agree with HM the Queen, no less, who observed it was ‘Amazing.’The pomp and
pageantry, the romance and the sheer joy expressed throughout the day by the couple and
their families along with the sanctity of marriage are overriding memories.
Flowers were one of the memorable themes of the day, Sarah Burton, designer of Catherine’s
elegant and beautiful dress, said she shaped the back so that it ‘echoed an opening flower’
and the lace bodice and skirt were encrusted with flowers. Astute then was Nigel Creed in
coming up with his Royal Commemorative designs – a coin and
covered box – emblazoned with daffodils. Nigel chose daffodils
because they are the national flower of Wales, because they are
symbolic of spring and because they bloom prolifically in Green
Park in April – at the heart of the royal processional route. Little
did he know, however, that daffodils would be one of the flowers
(along with shamrock, thistle and the rose) chosen by Catherine
and Sarah for the lace bodice of her dress. Each flower was hand
cut and embroidered in English Cluny lace by the Royal School
of Needlework at Hampton Court Palace.
The Commemorative Coin – a special edition to the collection of
enamel year coins – was sold out within days of its release. But, as we went to press, a small
number of the covered box remain. Intermingled with daffodils on the striking Royal Blue
background are Orange Tipped and Peacock Butterflies. Both pieces are in a limited edition
of 29, the number chosen to mark the date of the marriage.
3
K-DRWC Daffodills & Butterflies
Edition size 29
RRP £995
W.80mm x H40mm
Nigel Creed
Front
Back
Nigel has also created a romantic
design of lovebirds. Not strictly part
of the commemorative collection
but its topical subject is perfectly
in keeping with the tender mood
of April 2011.The lidded vase is
another pioneering shape developed
by Elliot Hall, the soft curves
of the body of the vase perfectly
complemented by the domed lid.
Goviers of Sidmouth has something of a reputation for its royal commemorative designs. Owner,
Alan Morgenroth has long taken a proactive role in commissioning designs to celebrate royal
occasions and takes pride in working with only the very best British companies. Alan predicted
the royal match many months ago and has developed a special collection with a unique theme
incorporating a pair of swans - birds with royal status and that normally mate for life.
From Elliot Hall Enamels, Alan commissioned two
pieces – an egg and a pair of miniature goblets.The
Edition of 25
hinged egg with a beautiful design by Fiona Bakewell
RRP £245
was issued in an edition of 25 and has sold out.The
Fiona Bakewell
miniature goblets, at only 115mm in height, feature
outstanding paintings by Nigel Creed. Nigel has
chosen a natural river setting for his pair of graceful
swimming swans and the scene wraps around the goblets
and continues inside too.The goblets, in an edition of
ten, have almost sold out – but contact Goviers
for the latest information. And who knows, but,
perhaps a handful of cygnets will join the Swan
Collection in due course!
Elliot and Tiffany hope Friends and readers of Fusion
will join with them in wishing PrinceWilliam and
Princess Catherine (or more formally the Duke and
Duchess of Cambridge) a long and happy life together.
Goblet
Edition of 10 RRP £1350 H.115mmmm x H.40mm
Nigel Creed
4
An Enamel Affair- Cameron & Smith
It may seem strange for one of the world’s premier retailers of English enamels to be based in
Florida, USA, but Bob Smith and Pat Cameron discovered enamels shortly after marrying in
London in 1968 and their passion for this miniature art form has stayed with them ever since.
Bob and English born Pat decided to set up home in America in the early 1970s and whilst
running the Smith family funeral business and bringing up their daughter, Melinda, developed
their personal collection of enamels along with a broad knowledge of the background and
artistry of the industry. By 1991, Bob had sold the funeral business and he and Pat decided
to specialise in selling enamels stocking designs from various makers ,‘and so’, as he so aptly
describes,‘we went from big boxes to small boxes!’
Initially the Smiths thought they would only sell brand new enamels but it quickly became
apparent that there was demand for retired pieces too, so they also buy in discontinued enamels
and sell these via their website.To help collectors locate the more elusive older designs they also
offer a free service called ‘Wish List’.
Twenty years on Bob and Pat have seen plenty of changes in the industry but they are thrilled
with the enamels that Elliot Hall is creating. Bob explains more,‘Elliot’s enamels are unique;
they are all freehand painted and because the artists are given freedom to use their imagination
the designs have an integrity and a vitality that is missing from enamels by other makers.
‘Elliot is unrivalled in the industry today because he understands all parts of the enamel process
– from the making of the copper shape and design of the bezel, through the vitrification process
when a thin layer of coloured ground glass fuses to the
metal base, to the decorating and firing stages that
sees the finely applied enamel colours sink into the
glassy ground.
‘This exceptional knowledge fuels Elliot’s
ambition to be a pioneer in the industry and
to challenge accepted ideas about enamels and
their design. His vision can be most clearly seen
in the unusual shapes that he develops and in his
insistence on quality. No seconds are ever allowed
and if an enamel has even the tiniest blemish, Elliot
has no qualms about picking up his hammer and
Tiger Eyes
smashing the piece. I’ve seen him do this,’ Bob adds,
RRP $255
‘and it seems quite shocking because of the amount of
artistry that has gone into making the enamel, but it means
collectors can be totally assured they are getting the very best.’
Cameron & Smith have commissioned several enamels from Elliot,‘because,’ Bob says,‘our
customers love the quintessential English character of Elliot’s designs but we do also like to offer
some with an American twist.’ The latest enamel commemorates the 150th anniversary of the
American CivilWar and is painted by Peter Graves whose expertise in painting cavalry scenes such
as the Scots Greys has impressed Bob.
5
‘I really admire Peter’s workmanship and the muscle tone of the horses in this earlier enamel is
wonderful, so I was delighted when Elliot agreed that he would ask Peter to do this special piece
for me. I pointed Peter towards some websites showing imagery of the civil war but then left it
up to him.The result is tremendous; Peter has captured the atmosphere of the battle and the two
generals opposing each other perfectly. Inside the imagery of the boats
attacking is masterly and yet again shows that Peter’s finesse for
painting marine scenes is second to none.’
There is still a small stock of early
commissions – beginning with the
design Christmas in Rome in 2006
- available. If you are interested in
these please contact Bob or Pat, details
below.
Because Bob and Pat are collectors at
heart they can empathise with their
customers and this means the service they
offer through the business is world class.
Sailfish paperweight
‘It’s not just the amazing ability to paint in
RRP $299
such minute scale – inside and outside of a piece
- that appeals’, Pat says,‘but it is because the enamels are small they are easy to display.The
sentiments expressed are so heart warming – I shall never forget the first piece Bob gave to me, it
was such a romantic gesture early in our life together.There’s a depth that comes from the hand
painting and it truly is the perfect way to introduce a work of art to the home.’
To find out more about Cameron & Smith go on line at www.cameronsmith.com or email Bob at
[email protected]. Tel: 001 772 778 7862.
US and Canada residents toll free number 1-800-472-9862.
Cameron & Smith Exclusives
The eclectic mix of subjects, artists and shapes ensure there is something to appeal to a range of
tastes.
Christmas in Rome designed by Rodney Shackell and painted by Elizabeth Todd, Limited
edition 50, 2006.This is the third in a series of enamels celebrating Christmas festivities in
European capital cities. $300
American Bald Eagle, painted by Fiona Bakewell, Limited edition 25, 2008. Produced in
association with Bronte Porcelain and inspired by the 225th anniversary of the Bald Eagle as
the National Bird of America. $850
Tiger Eyes painted by Sandra Selby, Limited edition 25, 2009 $255
Sailfish paperweight in aluminium, painted by Angela Roberts, Limited edition 15, 2010.
RRP $299
American Civil War painted by Peter Graves, Limited edition of 15 RRP £995 / $1495
6
A Self Made Artist
A love of travel, a natural artistic ability and an enquiring mind has resulted in one of the
most talented of enamel artists in recent times. StephenWard’s designs have enchanted enamel
collectors for over two decades and as he approaches retirement we take a look back at his
remarkable career.
Steve was born in war time Wolverhampton in 1943 and although life was less austere when he
left school many ideas remained entrenched – including the thought that ‘art was something
other people did’. This meant that despite demonstrating talent for painting it was not deemed
suitable as a career and so he joined an engineering company as an apprentice. Painting
landscapes in oils and watercolours remained a weekend hobby.
Changing jobs, Steve began working for Ferro and became interested in ceramics but after a while
the urge to travel became irresistible and he headed ‘down under’ to Australia. Spending a year
or so mainly in Sydney and Brisbane, Steve had several jobs including one with an architect
painting impressions of proposed buildings.
Returning home, Steve decided to approach the major china companies –with a portfolio of his
work and before long he was offered a job by RoyalWorcester.‘Here,’ Steve continued,‘I was lucky
to work alongside artists who’d been trained by artists of the calibre of the Stintons or Harry
Davis.They were generous in passing on their knowledge to me, but I never had any formal
training. Soon I was making other contacts especially in the Malvern area where I was then
living and so I left to take up freelance painting and commission work, working for Hereford Fine
China and Albany Fine China.’
The travel bug soon hit again and Steve moved to Monza in Italy and here he taught English,
worked for Industria Porcellane Artistiche (IPA), modelling figurines for Capodimonte and
creating designs for use on tableware, hotelware or for other media such as clothing.This varied
work gave Steve valuable experience in adapting and interpreting existing designs for alternative
use and particularly in increasing or reducing the scale of an original concept but maintaining
accurate proportions – all skills that would come into play when he began to paint enamels.
In the early 1980s Steve returned to the UK working for Royal
Worcester and as a freelance artist. He set up a studio inWalsall
masterminding the modelling, mould making and painting of
every ceramic piece but in 1989 he swapped jobs again.Working
for Bilston Enamels, Steve quickly established a reputation for fine
enamel painting and before long was working for Elliot first at
Moorcroft Enamels and then at Elliot Hall Enamels.
Steve enjoys the freedom that painting for Elliot allows,‘it is often
easy to come up with an idea for an enamel painting,’ he said,‘but
there are two challenges - one is to ensure that the design is both
accurate to the subject and the second that it is in proportion to the
shape of the enamel.’The Egg Series painted with Butterflies reveals
7
this complexity. one is to ensure that the design is both accurate to the subject and the second
that it is in proportion to the shape of the enamel.’The Egg Series painted with Butterflies
reveals this complexity.
With thousands of butterfly species to choose from, Steve selected six popular in England and
studying them he realised each stands, flutters or rests on blossom in a different way, and
markings on males differ to females. When the adult butterfly emerges from the chrysalis, it has
six legs, but in some species two wither away or are shortened and Steve had to decide whether
to show these or not. ‘I chose,’ he says,‘to place each butterfly with the flower it commonly sits
on but to ensure the eggs worked as a series I had to use some artistic licence and I painted each
butterfly and flower to the same scale, although in reality there are differences.The antennae and
legs required a very delicate touch as they are finer than my most minute brush!’
Steve is looking forward to retirement, but he’s got plenty of decorating and gardening to keep
him busy for a while, as well as caring for his elderly mother.‘Longer term,’ he adds,‘I think I’ll
be travelling again - I’d love to return to Italy.’
Steve’s career has included all aspects
of ceramic making from sculpting and
design to painting. His engineering
apprenticeship gave him technical
and practical knowledge which has
complemented his natural creative
talents. Looking back he says,‘Life has
been hard at times, as a self employed
craftsman you are never quite sure what
your next job will be.The statistics for
survival are not good, I was always
told that out of 20,000 professional
craftsmen two might make it – but I
seem to have been one of the lucky ones.’
Elliot adds,‘Steve is modest about his
achievements for there’s no doubt that he
Butterfly Eggs
is a brilliant artist, and he’s all the more
Limited
Edition of 15
remarkable because he is largely self taught. We
RRP
£1250
are lucky that he has painted the Egg Collection
for Elliot Hall Enamels. Tiffany and I wish him well for the future and we are sure he will be
enjoying some adventurous travels before too long.
‘The Egg series has an interesting story behind its development. When I designed the original
shape it looked more like an acorn than an egg – so it was back to the drawing board to make
the shape more oval and egg-like to fit the design that Steve had already conceived. However, I
asked Elizabeth Todd to paint the four acorn shaped enamels that I had produced. I have one in
my collection but the others were sold to private collectors. Some day they may turn up on the
secondary market. Good hunting!’
8
Ombersley
New Elliot Hall Enamel shapes are
named after the towns and villages of
Worcestershire, in this way Elliot pays
tribute to the area that has nurtured many
enamel artists. In this issue we take a look
at Ombersley – a classically elegant vase
shape and also a village with many historic
and prestigious links.
Ombersley is about seven miles from
Worcester and dates back to Saxon times.
The parish was given to Evesham Abbey in
the early 8th century by King Ethelweard
of the Hwicce, and the Abbey cultivated and administered the region’s fertile land for several
centuries. In the 14th century the Abbots were given the right to hold a weekly market and an
annual fair, indicating the village’s increasingly important geographic position at the crossing
of two high roads and close to a bridge over the River Severn.
During the Tudor, Elizabethan and Jacobean periods
the village grew in size. Fortunately many of the 15th
and 16th century buildings still stand today and their
attractive timbered facades give Ombersley its historic
character and visual appeal. One important building
is the King’s Arms Inn, dating from c.1450, where
King Charles II is said to have stayed after the Battle of
Worcester in 1651.With its wooden beams, uneven floors
and inglenook fireplaces it’s popular with locals and
tourists alike.
Less impressive to look at but just as
important to the heritage of the village is
the plague stone.This was originally on
the outskirts of the village and warned
travellers to keep away, parcels of food
were left in the trough and in return the
villagers would leave money to pay for
the goods.
9
The impressive Ombersley Court was built between 1724 and 32
for the Sandys family who inherited the manor of Ombersley in
1560 - when Edwin Sandys was appointed Bishop ofWorcester
by Queen Elizabeth I. Over the following centuries the family’s
connections with the village developed and they commissioned
many other buildings including St Andrew’s Church and the
Crown & Sandys Hotel. Amongst notable visitors to the estate
was Dr Johnson who later recalled, with mouth-watering delight,
the copious quantities of soft fruit that had been served to him
there, and the Duke ofWellington who is said to have planted
aWellingtonia tree in the grounds – it’s now a magnificent
specimen towering well over 118 feet!
There may even be a connection with the famous Lea and Perrins
sauce.The sauce was developed by the Worcester chemists after a
request to mix a curry powder from a local nobleman – and it is
possible that it was a friend staying with Baroness Sandys who
provided the recipe for the spicy blend in the early 1830s. And,
during the SecondWorldWar,
Ombersley Court had a royal
secret to keep - the ceremonial
state carriages were garaged in
the stables to protect them from
potential damage during the
bombing of London.
With so many fascinating facts to discover Ombersley is,
without doubt, one ofWorcestershire’s finest black and white
villages and a fitting name for an outstanding Elliot Hall
Enamel.
The prestigious Ombersley shape was
unveiled in 2007 with Sandra Selby’s
design of a pair of Chaffinches feeding
their young and a Great Tit and Blue
Tit perched amongst blossom. In
2009 Nigel Creed painted a hauntingly
beautiful design of Barn Owls
portraying them hunting as well as a
‘bird’s eye view’ of life within the nest.
10
Cameron & Smith Exclusives
Celebrating the 150th anniversary of the
American Civil War
American Civil War painted by Peter Graves, Limited edition of 15 RRP £995 / $1495
ELLIOT HALL ENAMELS LIMITED
UNIT F1A BLACKPOLE TRADING ESTATE EAST, BLACKPOLE ROAD, BLACKPOLE,
WORCESTER, WR3 8SG.
T: 07974 444412
E: [email protected]
www.elliothallenamels.co.uk