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[July 2002]
Wemyss Ware Celebrates 120th Anniversary in New Pottery & Visitor Centre
‘Wemyss Ware’, one of Scotland’s most attractive and sought after pottery, is celebrating its 120th anniversary with the opening of the new pottery and visitor centre in Ceres, Fife. Enthusiastic Wemyss Ware collector, James MacPherson, best known as Michael Jardine in ‘Taggart’, opened the centre which has undergone major renovation and expansion, resulting in the creation of a museum, exhibition and a viewing room allowing visitors to see the potters and painters at work.“Visitors will now be able to get a better insight into the creation and fascinating story of ‘Wemyss Ware’, said the proprietor, Griselda Hill, who started the business in 1985 with the aim of reviving Wemyss Ware near the place it was founded.
Presenting James MacPherson with the piece of ‘Earlshall’ pottery from the Wemyss range, Griselda Hill said: We continue to use the original underglazed hand painting methods first developed by Karel Nekola in the 1880s to re- create this unique style of earthenware. The continued support and guidance of Esther Weeks, the head decorator who worked for Karel Nekola’s son Joseph and passed on the secret painting techniques, has ensured the creation and survival of this living tradition. Now in her seventies, Esther Weeks is keen to see the continuation of this wonderful pottery. The expansion to the pottery and the creation of a visitor centre means we are now in a strong position to
expand the number of pieces created which range from cats and pigs to tiles and candlesticks.The redevelopment and expansion of the original pottery shop, part-funded by Fife Small Business Gateway, has resulted in the creation of a larger pottery, staff room and offices. The retail area has doubled in size and an exhibition area with specialist disabled visitor facilities, parking and a external terraced seating area have been established.
For further information contact: Griselda Hills, proprietor, Wemyss Ware, telephone: 01334 828273 (Mobile 07977 097 813) Home: 01334 828043.
ENDS