The Cornwall Blog

Barry Krzywicki | Group of porcelain sake cups on a tray The Leach Pottery begin their 2016 schedule with a varied exhibition of contemporary pots selected by John Bedding, a one time student of Bernard Leach, ex Leach potter and current Joint Acting Director of the Pottery. The works of individual studio potters are highly unique. Each have different strengths to their work: some makers adhere strongly to tradition; some, through the repetition of familiar shapes and glazes, make pieces which evidence their expert craftsmanship; others have an inquiring mind and are strong on innovation and experimentation; still others have a strong sense of design, creating works that are clean, sharp and precise. As a well-known collector and authority on contemporary ceramics, John has chosen works which define these varied qualities and demonstrate the breadth of skill and creativity to be found in pottery today. The exhibition includes traditional stoneware by Phil Rogers and John Jelf...

Cornwall is just the perfect location for a wedding. We might not be able to guarantee the weather but we can the scenery! The good news is there is not only great choice with venues and photographers and caterers, but makeup artists in Cornwall too. Nicky Law is one such artist who covers all of Cornwall and some of Devon. She specialises in wedding and bridal makeup but also brings her expertise to your home for special occasions, fashion shoots and proms. With such a romantic setting there is plenty of scope to make that special day one to remember. Nicky says "Creating your bridal look should be an exciting and enjoyable experience and by working together and using quality products is how this will be achieved!" She is a local girl, growing up in Port Isaac and her love for the county is infectious. She recently was wed herself so knows how important the experience of getting ready can be. Bringing out your natural beauty and giving you that confidence is so important...

There is so much to see and do in Cornwall this time of year! Many people see Cornwall purely as a Summer holiday destination, but the magic of a Winter in Cornwall is the moments of beauty that you can have all to yourself. The light is just so spectacular - unwind with a stroll through the Wind and the Willow woods in Lerryn, or perhaps explore Bodmin Moor, or have a wind swept beach all to yourself. The peace and stillness is just so beautiful, however, if you prefer a little more bustle every little town is alight with Christmas markets and entertainment at the moment. With late night shopping, mulled wine and mince pies galore communities come alive this merry season. If you are not lucky enough to call this little piece of England your home, there are some beautiful places to stay. Imagine a country cottage with a farmhouse kitchen, chunky stone walls and cosy log fire! If you want fashionable North coast of Cornwall and 5* luxury you can do no better than Rooke Cottages. ...

  From the 28 November 2015 to 16 January 2016 the renowned St Ives ceramic studio Leach Pottery are hosting an exhibition. Douglas Fitch and Hannah McAndrew present A Love Affair with Clay, these established potters have lectured in Japan and the USA and are presenting their new work. Now partners in marriage as well as ceramics, much to the delight of the pottery community, you can see their shared influences of English pottery. They share their time between Hannah’s studio in a quiet corner of rural Galloway, Scotland, and Douglas’s studio in mid Devon. Hannah loves pots that have a purpose and Douglas decorates his with appliqué decoration or sgrafitto, using traditional slips made from local materials. Founded in 1920 by Bernard Leach and Shoji Hamada, the Leach Pottery, St Ives, is among the most respected and influential potteries in the world. Over the last hundred years it has forged the shape of Studio Pottery in the UK and beyond. So for somethi...

There are always so many events going on in Cornwall! People come for the slower pace of life, but I find if you want excitement it is within easy reach. If you are looking for a little culture for this Autumnal month how about the Calstock Jazz Festival? Calstock is a beautiful spot, nestled on the river Tamar on the Devon and Cornwall border. A few Saturdays ago me and my family headed to the National Trust property of Cotehele where there is a gorgeous view over Calstock and the vast viaduct. The Jazz and Blues festival uses some great venues around the little village and is host to some real musical gems. Norma Winstone with The Printmakers, Empirical and Femi Temowo are the headliners but there are acts from Plymouth university, choirs and film. There is also delicious food on offer throughout the village. So close to Plymouth this hideaway festival is always popular. So for a musical treat be sure to make it! Running from the 22nd-25th October 2015. Yo...

Poldark filming Aiden Turner with the second series script If you missed the BBC's remake of Winston Graham novels, Poldark then where were you? Not only was that acting and story excellent but also the set was pretty great too! Like the first series the second is to be filmed across our beautiful Cornwall, and rumour has it filming started a couple of days ago. Heida Reid and  Eleanor Tomlinson filming yesterday The Poldark crew filming at Charlestown for the first series For the first series we saw beautifully lit locations like the rugged Bodmin Moor with Poldark's house being located near St Breward, shots of the historic Charlestown harbour with its tall ships and the coastline of Botallack to Levant dotted with tin mines. Our beautiful beaches like Church Cove and Porthgwarra served as stunning backdrops to dramatic scenes of love and loss. Poldark filming for the first series Eleanor Tomlinson Keep your eyes peeled and you might just ...

Tall ship at Charlestown The cycle trail around Pentewan Historic St Austell The Eden Project If you have ever visited Pentewan you would know what a sweet village it is. Delicious ice creams, great pubs and a beautiful sandy beach, what more could you want! Well from Pentewan Cycle Hire you can rent a bike and explore even more of this great county. There are many routes to choose from, cycle to the traditional fishing port of Mevagissey , or to the world famous Eden Project or even see the tall ships at Charlestown . The Lost Gardens of Heligan Around Pentewan Mevagissey Ideal for a one day hire, see Cornwall from a different angle. They provide a large range of quality bikes and accessories for hire and purchase. There are just so many routes all catering to different levels, all from this beautiful corner of Cornwall. Pentewan Cycle Hire The Pentewan Valley