AS people pass through Argyle Street in Birkenhead, how many notice the bright lights of a small local business that, according to its owner, is "championing the ethos of the arts and crafts movement"?
Well now is the time to call in and have a look at Inspiration On A Plate - an exhibition that displays the creative uses of clay by 27 local potters attending workshops at The Rathbone Studio, which has been described as "Wirral’s hidden cultural gem".
Janet Holmes has exhibited and taught on Wirral for more than 40 years.
She opened the Rathbone Studio in May 2012 to exhibit her own work and to teach.
Since then Janet’s workshops have helped more than 150 people to gain the technical skills to produce their own work in an environment that allows individual creativity to thrive.
"My work is quite different but by following in the footsteps of those great potters, I’ve refined my own style."
Janet is quietly modest on her teaching record, but the quality of her current exhibition is testimony to the wide range of skills she passes on to her students.
Della Robbia was highly distinctive pottery created at premises in Price Street, and at 28 Argyle Street, Birkenhead, between 1894 and 1906.
It was founded by Conrad Dressler and Harold Rathbone and inspired in part by the work of Luca della Robbia, the Florentine sculptor (1399 – 1482) who perfected a special pottery glaze.
The pottery provided employment for many Birkenhead people, including local women who decorated the wares.
Antique Della Robbia pottery is now highly sought after and there are many examples in Wirral, such as the display at The Williamson Art Gallery and Museum.
It is remarkable that part of the same premises that produced Della Robbia is still today a hub of ceramic creativity and leaning, from those in their late teens to the retired; from beginners, to students on degree courses; and to those who go on to practice or exhibit.
Jean Maskell, who had never worked with clay before attending workshops at The Rathbone, has gone on to have work included in exhibitions in the UK and Ireland
She said: "There are so many ways clay can be used.
"After learning the basic skills, I found hand building sculptural figures to be really satisfying, and the range of decorative effects and glazes are endless."
Anita Varey, who has a plate in the exhibition, said: "Everyone gets individual attention to bring out their creativity and guidance on how to create decorative or practical ceramics in a wide variety of styles."
But there is so much more to this gallery which also hosts art and photography exhibitions, digital art, talks, literary and themed exhibitions.
The Inspiration On A Plate exhibition is open Tuesday - Saturday from 1.30pm-5pm until Saturday, February 3.
For more on the Rathbone Studio go to www.rathbonestudio.com
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