By John Maguire
The latest instalment of Buried Treasure by John Maguire of ArtsGroupie CIC takes us to Birkenhead’s Rathbone Studio, rooted in the legacy of Della Robbia Pottery. Here, artist Janet Holmes continues the tradition of creativity and individuality, currently celebrated in Diversity in Clay, her collaborative exhibition with Louise Waller for the Independents Biennial.
There is something grand about walking through Hamilton Square – it feels like being transported to Edinburgh. I can envision Victorian-suited gentlemen strolling with canes through the greenery at the centre, ready to take the morning commuter ferry, ambling around the boat and enjoying the fresh air as part of their morning constitution.
I emerge from the depths of the train station and catch a glimpse of the city of Liverpool, panoramic across the river in the shadows. If I can block out the memory stick buildings that dig into the ground, the view retains its charm.
The Rathbone Studio
I am visiting The Rathbone Studio, located on one of the original sites of the Della Robbia Pottery, founded by Harold Rathbone and Conrad Dressler.
Della Robbia was a highly distinctive pottery created in Price Street and at 28 Argyle Street, Birkenhead, between 1894 and 1906. It drew inspiration from the work of Luca della Robbia, a Florentine sculptor (1399–1482) known for perfecting a special pottery glaze. The pottery employed many people in Birkenhead, including local women who decorated the wares. There were no pattern books; artists and decorators were encouraged to explore their creativity and work completely freehand. Today, antique Della Robbia pottery is highly sought after, with examples displayed in Wirral at the Williamson Art Gallery & Museum.
Janet Holmes has been exhibiting on Wirral for over 40 years and opened the Rathbone Studio in Birkenhead in 2012. It now serves as a pottery studio and gallery, embracing the ethos of the Della Robbia Pottery, which aimed to bring individuality to each piece, allowing artists to express themselves with unique, original ceramic work. Janet has revived the Della Robbia spirit in Birkenhead through her work and by encouraging others to exhibit their talents.
Currently, an exhibition is on display as part of the Independents Biennial, which is a treasure trove of ceramic art. Diversity In Clay, a collaboration with renowned ceramicist Louise Waller, celebrates the malleable essence of clay. A rich collection of earthy works showcases the collaboration between artist and medium with the mantra, “The clay dictates.”
Janet Holmes and Her Artistic Journey
Janet’s obsession with clay dates back to her childhood. The first piece she ever made in school was a bust of a man’s head, leading her to realise she could create a strong image from nothing. Today, teaching allows her to foster this idea in others, and she loves to explore different clays and experiences, encountering new things that still humble her. Rather than planning, Janet lets the mood and atmosphere evolve through meditation with the clay. A clay sculpture created after her mother’s passing evoked mixed emotions, while her Covid tension piece has an agitated and restless look about it. This ceramic is my particular favourite.
Her influences include Matisse, Picasso, and Grayson Perry. Due to her tinnitus, classical music, especially Gershwin, becomes the only sound in the studio, which helps her to connect with the clay.
Before I leave, I visit the toilet in the cellar; every available space is crammed with art as I make my way down the staircase. I am captivated by a mushroom cloud sculpture, inspired by the OMD song Enola Gay.
I encourage you to visit this rich vault of ceramic treasures, a very magical emporium of creativity.
The gallery holds a student exhibition from January to February each year, with exhibitions changing quarterly. Local artists can also showcase their work.
Diversity in Clay
Louise Waller & Janet Holmes
Runs until 13th September
The exhibition will then be open Tuesday to Saturday, 1.30pm-5pm.