Penny Varley

Media: Ceramics

Exhibition and News

Its been a very busy year since June 2025 and our exhibition in Tysoe Village hall and this year we are doing it all again.    There has been the development of new work in the the form of Boat (which you can see on my images) and the new hare jugs.

My garden studio has welcomed lots of new and returning students to try their hand at pottery.  It has been a delight to see their creativity blossom in the relaxed and fun setting.  Is it something our fancy?  Why not get in contact.

We opened our garden for the National Garden Scheme last year and with it the studio.  It is lovely to see how the ceramics blend and compliment the flora and fauna.  It seems to bring and added dimention.  We are opening again this year alongside 6 other fantastic gardens.  So if you like a good mooch and a great cup of tea and cake why not join us on the  27/28 June 2-6pm.

As well as this I will be exhibiting in Chipping Campden Town Hall over Easter.  Oxfordshire Art weeks at Aynho Church  9-17 May. At Upton House National Trust on the weekends of the 18/19 July and 22/23 August. Lower Slaughter Village hall from 14-20 October, Artmix in Chipping Campden Town Hall on the 27-29 November and Arts in the Cotswolds, Townsend Hall Shipston on Stour from 4-6 December.  So I hope to see you at one of these.  You can also follow me on Facebook and Instagram for other events.

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Biography

I have been a studio potter now for over 20 years and the wonders of this magical material never ceases to inspire and amaze me.  I use two types of stoneware clay.  Smooth for my domestic ware,  mugs, jugs, bowls, double dishes and plates which are thrown on the potters wheel along with some of my decorative pieces such as the oriental vases and coil pots.  For the garden ware (which is all frost proof)  I use a crank clay.  Once fired this forms a lovely biscuit colour which compliments the flora and fauna in the garden and blends in well.  These pieces are hand build using the coil or slab technique.  Why not pop in to see me at one of my events to see them for yourself.

As well as making I am heavily involved with the organisation of Artmix.  We are a group of artists who have been exhibiting for over 25 years in the Town Hall Chipping Campden (see below for dates).  As well as Artmix I am part of a trio of artist that organise Arts in the Cotswold in the Townsend Hall Shipston on Stour.  28 artists, one venue, 3 days and the WI for refreshments.  Its an absolute must for everyone who like to support artists and find that unique piece of arts and crafts.  

Over the years I have been selected to exhibit at Compton Verney, The Ashmolean Oxford, Windsor Ceramic Show and numerous National Trust Venues.  I hope to see you soon.

 

Get in touch

Website: https://www.pennyvarleyceramics.co.uk