Hornchurch Hosts Exciting Children’s Pottery Exhibition

By Ruth Kettle-Frisby – Guest Writer and Community Activist

Ruth is passionate about fostering positive change within the local community and regularly contributes insights and stories to The Havering Daily.

An exciting new children’s pottery exhibition is on display this week in Hornchurch.

The exhibition was organised by sculptor and pottery instructor, Lindsay Matthews, for children from as young as 6 all the way to 14 years old.

Lindsay is passionate about her craft, which, she explains, is a complex process:

“Pottery is not easy. There are many steps in creating a piece from start to finish and many challenges during the process.

“The children first sketched their ideas before creating their exhibit and were allowed to make exactly what they wanted.

“They learn to coil, pinch and slab build but they must make sure that pieces are securely joined and hollowed as they can come apart or blow up in the kiln.

“Then they glaze their work, choosing their colours and ensuring they have applied enough coats and allowed each coat to dry first. 

Lindsay organised the exhibition out of a sense of sheer pride in the immense achievements of the children who attend her classes.

It’s clear from speaking to Lindsay, that artistry is the tip of the iceberg for her little learners as they begin to express themselves in a positive environment through shared creative discovery:

“Pottery also acts as an outlet for children to express their emotions and helps them to connect with others.

“Exhibiting their work boosts their self-esteem, gives them a sense of pride, and builds confidence in their abilities, all of which I think are so important.”

You can view this exhibition for free at Fry’s Gallery, Fairkytes Arts Centre from Monday 9 – Sunday 15 Februaryduring the following opening times:

Monday 9 – Friday 13: 10am – 9pm

Saturday 14: 10am – 4pm

Sunday 15: 10am – 1pm

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