Heritage Open Days Talk: Bideford Ceramics and International Maritime Trade

As part of Heritage Open Days, The Burton is presenting a mini-exhibition of ceramics selected from its archive, displaying works not typically accessible to the public (13th-21st September). This will focus on the relationship between Bideford’s history of ceramics and international maritime trade, both of which saw the town’s influence stretch across the globe. 

Come along on Sunday 14th September to hear more about this fascinating topic from Sadie Green, an expert in North Devon Pottery and its export to the Eastern seaboard of America in Elizabethan times. Sadie’s talk is free to attend but booking is required.

Call the gallery on 01237 471455 or book via our website at https://www.burtonartgallery.co.uk/exhibitions-activities/heritage-open-days-talk-bideford-ceramics-and-international-maritime-trade/

 

 

Sunday 14th September, 2025

Heritage Open Days Talk: Bideford Ceramics and International Maritime Trade

With Sadie Green

11.30am-12.30pm | FREE | Booking essential

 

Looking on the Bright Side of Bideford.

Always a pleasure to visit the Burton Art Gallery & Museum and yesterday we checked out the ‘Into Abstraction: Modern British Art and the Landscape’ exhibition with works by a host of well-known 20th century artists including Barbara Hepworth, Henry Moore, L.S. Lowry, Patrick Heron and Elisabeth Frink.

A fusion of vibrant and sombre modern art and landscapes including a change of location for the famous ‘Matchstick People’, Glasgow, not Salford, Manchester was the focus of the painting by L.S. Lowry.

The Summer might be over but the Summer Exhibition is running until the 14^th September so if you love art and the history do check it out.

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‘Into Abstraction: Modern British Art and the Landscape’ runs until 14th September at The Burton at Bideford, Bideford, North Devon EX39 2QQ. Free entry.

See www.theburton.org for more details on the exhibition and upcoming exhibitions and  events.

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About: ‘Into Abstraction: Modern British Art and the Landscape’ examines the intersection of abstraction and landscape in British art from the 1920s to the early 1970s. Organised in collaboration with The Hepworth Wakefield, ‘Into Abstraction’ draws on their extensive holdings of modern art to explore how artists used abstraction during periods of social upheaval to engage with the natural world and human experience. Tap here to read all about the exhibition and the Burton at Bideford >

Ilfracombe Soapbox Derby – Edenmore Wheels to Glory

Edenmore Nursing Home is no stranger to getting involved in an array of activities for their residents (fondly referred to as family members) to choose to be involved in, however not normally ones that involve four wheels and rolling through Ilfracombe! I am of course, talking about the recent Soapbox Derby, put on by Ilfracombe Round Table to support their own charity, as well as Children’s Hospice South West.

From the moment the idea was announced to take part (and sponsor the event too!), the nursing home was keen to include as many people as possible. The team, family members and their relatives got together to plan Edenmore’s soapbox kart. In true community style, everyone pitched in – from the hands-on builders of the kart with drills and saws (thanks Gayle Cooper, Home Manager’s husband and grandson!) to family members offering design ideas, colour schemes, and even a few cheeky suggestions for how to make it go faster! The result was a colourful, Edenmore shaped kart that looked right at home among the other imaginative entries.

Race day saw team members making the short walk down to the town and joining the buzzing streets of Ilfracombe. Families lined the route, the sun was shining, music was playing, and the atmosphere was one of pure community spirit. Edenmore was the first kart to attempt the course involving sharp corners, ramps and lots of hay bales (which Captain Jesu made friends with on the test run!).

Team member Jesu shared ‘manuvering down the course was quite challenging! The steering was all over the place as the kart was not designed to have a house built on it – but I had so much fun and the turnout was absolutely amazing – bring on next year!’

‘It was just brilliant to be part of the first-ever derby,’ shared Gayle. ‘The atmosphere was electric, and the community spirit made all the hard work worth it. We’ve already started talking about ideas for next year!’

As the day came to a close, it was clear the Soapbox Derby had sparked something special in the community. Edenmore was proud to help launch what is sure to become a new Ilfracombe tradition.

For more information about Edenmore Nursing Home, please visit: www.edenmorenursinghome.com