Annadale Brickworks is a Belfast ceramics studio established by Clive Fiddis. The name derives from an old brickworks near to Clive's studio in the centre of Belfast. Having loved, made and taught ceramics in Ireland and Finland for 30 years, Clive is a master in his chosen craft. Simplicity of function and a passion for skillful making and craftsmanship are essential elements in all the work. Clive was kind enough to let us ask him a few questions about his making process.

 

Tell us a bit about what you make.

I make thrown functional pots. I'm very focused on the skillful making and material and firing process, simple form and function.

Could you describe your studio to us? What is your favourite thing about the space?
The studio is only a few years old, its very much an urban space in Belfast, it has two floors, a kiln room and is a very open plan flexible space with lovely light. I love its urban feel and the light quality.

How do you get into the mindset of making?
I tend to make in batches and like the rhythm of making, glazing and firing. There's always things to do in a studio, glaze and colour tests, tools, new work ideas.

What is your favourite tool and why? 
I make my own tools if I can, my favourite is the knife I made out of a second hand buy.

 
Can you describe your making process to us? 
I throw nearly all of the pots on the wheel, usually in batches, using a simple stoneware clay. Pots are dried slowly, bases turned, handles attached and finished before firing. The pots are fired twice, glaze fired in a gas kiln at stoneware temperatures.
What is your inspiration?
Cultures of Japan and the near and far East are just amazing!
What led you to choose this craft as a profession? What do you love most about it?
I've been making and teaching ceramics for a long time, its allowed me to travel and work, so its more a way of life for me, always learning mostly by mistakes.   

How do your surroundings affect your work?
I'm an urban potter. The studio is very private and quiet which is very conducive to work, but the hustle and bustle of the city is close by. 

What is your favourite piece?
I have pieces that I collected travelling in Japan, Egypt, Iran, Finland and Spain. I love using them in the kitchen, beautiful and functional.
 

We stock a range of beautiful mugs, bowls and dishes by Annadale Brickworks. Clive's beautiful tableware is suitable for the dishwasher, microwave freezer and oven. 

We had the rare opportunity to travel up north last week, to speak to the members of Craft NI in the Ulster Museum, as part of their programme for craft month. It was a great opportunity to meet some of the talented, up and coming designers and makers in Northern Ireland, as well as catching up with our stockist Catherine Keenan who also spoke about her experience as a glass artist. The programme for this August comprises of over 130 events including exhibitions, workshops, demonstrations and talks. It's a great reason to get out and explore the area in and around Belfast.

Taking the opportunity that evening after the talk to explore Belfast's "Cathedral Quarter", we found it was packed with a great selection of bars and restaurants, there is a vibrant, creative feel to the area. Michael from the Bearded Candle Makers had given us an epic list of places to visit and we managed to see a few; Established for coffee, The Spaniard for a drink and Made in Belfast for food. We also happened across a great bar called The Duke of York and had some amazing food in Hadskis.

If only we had been able to hang around for the weekend we would have made it our mission to visit St. George's market, where many designers and makers showcase their products. Our own selection from Northern Ireland in the shop includes Adam Frew's porcelain, Catherine Keenan's glass jewellery, Gail Kelly's lino print greeting cards and unique scents from the Bearded Candle Makers.