Welcome to the weblog of Created Visible where there trickles a stream of things photographic, and occasionally operatic and theologic...

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Belleek Pottery

The famous pottery at Belleek made a fascinating place to visit and a most temptatious place to spend money! No photography was allowed in the factory except for the justly celebrated basket and floral section where exquisitely detailed works were being created. Here are some of the baskets waiting for additions from the field of shamrock.

Our guide and one of the artisans who drew the short straw and was part of the token staff present in the factory on weekends to ensure that tour groups like us could see how things are done. Poor chap, toiling away fuelled by 7-Up and Nurofen... but still doing amazing work. Some archive pieces show how the fine china looks after firing, painting and glazing.