W.R. Lethaby and All Saints’ Church Brockhampton by David Patten
The Architect's Error As it says for all to see in the church porch, architect W.R. Lethaby's error at All Saints', Brockhampton, was that "The experimental nature of the building led to some disasters – part of the west wall collapsed." As a result, Lethaby never...
Linen for curtains & blinds
In the latest in our occasional series of posts about cloth the focus is on linen. Starting with the basics; linen is a fibre which is obtained by processing the 'Linum' or 'Flax' plant. 'Flax' has a pretty blue flower and is grown for both the fibre and the seed all...
Ticking Fabrics
Ticking fabric was traditionally a very densely woven cotton herringbone or twill weave cloth used for making mattress & pillow cases. The derivation of the word ‘Ticking’, material used to cover pillows and mattresses, is from the Greek theke, “receptacle”....
A Lot of Bottle – Winchcombe Pottery
The Bottle Kiln at Winchcombe, last fired in 1954, awaiting restoration. There has been a working pottery on the site at Winchcombe, Gloucestershire since the late 1700's - barring closure during the 1st & 2nd World Wars. Emblematic of country potteries of the...
The Book of Pebbles
Who hasn't picked a pebble up whilst strolling the coast of Britain? They look especially inviting lying covered in the shallow water of a rock pool, the wetness showing colour that pales when the salty surface dries. There is something about walking along a beach...
Prints, Pots and Plants 16 March to 29 April 2019
To begin our 2019 exhibition programme we welcome artist-printmaker and illustrator Angie Lewin and potter Mark de la Torre to Tinsmiths for our Spring Exhibition. This is their first joint exhibition; both have shown here in the past and their work has a particular...
Patrishow Church
At the Eastern fringes of the Brecon Beacons National Park, on the edge of the Black Mountains, where wild untrammelled landscapes becomes fields and winding lanes, the tiny hillside church of Patrishow or Patricio looks out over panoramic views. About five miles from...
Malvern Hills and British Camp
Here on the cropped grass of the narrow ridge I stand, A fathom of earth, alive in air, Aloof as an admiral on the old rocks England below me WH Auden 1936 Spread along the horizon to the north-east of Ledbury, stretches the bumpy spine of the Malvern Hills: a...
St Michael and All Angels Parish Church Ledbury
If you are making a visit to Ledbury, it is hard to miss its parish church. Its spire can be seen from many miles around but disappears when you find yourself on the town’s High Street. Follow the picturesque cobbled lane that leads away from the distinctive black and...
In Praise of Cork
Cork, a beautiful material which has fallen from favour in recent years following over-exposure in the 1970’s, has a fascinating history and stunning properties. In a world that must manage resources more and more carefully, re-considering the use of cork is a great...