Pigs Might Fly

Being told that someone is famous for their pigs - especially when you live in the country - does conjure up imagery of well tended farmyards and bright coloured rosettes at county show prize giving. But when I met Paul Cardew for the first time several years ago I quickly discovered the pigs in his life are more likely to be on a shelf than a pig sty as they're the ceramic kind that you save your pennies in. In the 1980s Paul was asked to design a range of piggy banks for Nat West, which very quickly fired up a generation of young savers eager to get their hands on the family of pigs. Needless to say their popularity continues today and all the pigs are highly collectable. In his Cornish studio Paul continues to make them for the legions of fans across the world, including these new limited edition 'Six Nations' Rugby pigs - I love this Scottish Rugby pig! align="alignnone" width="320"]

Paul Cardew ceramic vase with blue sunshine in Everything in the Garden is Lovely, The Byre spring 2014

Venus vase by Paul Cardew in Telling Tales at The Byre, summer 2014

Tall vases by Paul Cardew with pear by Remon Jephcott, Pastures New, The Byre, spring 2016

Paul and his wife Karen live a couple of miles away from us in a stunning 18th century farmhouse - Rame Barton - which is also a fabulous boutique b&b, www.ramebarton.com. Set in gorgeous grounds with enviable views of the coast and surrounding countryside, it is the perfect spot to find inspiration as an artist - and Paul even runs pottery courses so anyone can discover their inner creativity.

] We had a lovely afternoon - into the evening with them - last weekend which as well as enjoying gorgeous food (and wine!) was also a chance for a peek around Paul's studio to see what he's been up to.

Paul with cousin-in-law Maggie Cardew and Barry Dye

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Paul with granddaughter, Eva

Sun starting to go down, chicken run in the background - chickens have run! In the studio, potter's wheel

Rugby pigs awaiting their team colours[

Rugby pigs ready for second firing A more feminine pig

If I can drag Paul away from his pigs, I hope to have some lovely new pieces from him in the gallery for the summer show - Out of the Picture, 16th July until 11th Sept.