This great photo appears on the inside cover of Anthea’s book ‘Briglin Pottery’ – Alan Pett has named them all. I can’t reproduce the photo as it’s not mine, sorry, but it shows nine people standing outside 22/23 Crawford Street . The date is probably late 60s or early 70s
“People in picture from left Jim Johnson,Irene Schamel, Patrick Bedward, Kitty Roche, Lyn Colavecchia, Mike Crosby-Jones, Alan Pett, Danny Barson (son of Tony barson), Brigitte Appleby, Afraid do not know the name of the photographer” – Alan Pett
(Photographer is Michael Dowding – date 1970 – see update below)
1. Jim Johnson – No information.
2. Irene Schamel – No information
3. Patrick Bedward, – No information
4. Kitty Roche – I do know who kitty was. Catherine (Kitty) Roche worked in stockroom I have met her daughter Anne Roche.
5. Lyn Colavecchia – Now Lyn Lovitt married Mike Lovitt (what a great name). Lyn has a website and still throws.
6. Mike Crosby-Jones – Senior Potter – Mike still works on the south coast. Mike is not wearing any shoes.
7. Alan Pett – Briglin mainstay for many years.
8. Danny Barson – Son of Tony Barson.
9. Brigitte Appleby
Update – December 2016 – Just been contacted by Michael Dowding who mentions that he may have taken this photo.
Alex
I don’t know you unless you were around Crawford Street in 1970. I worked for Brigitte for upwards of 18 months largely on a casual basis, as a labourer and very average thrower. My main tasks were pugging, maintenance, renovation work and kiln unloading.Until over some wine one Friday evening as was the usual, with staff, she asked me about my photography. I had graduated 3 years earlier from Art School.From then we, and the potters, worked on a catalogue which I photographed in black and white. I still have the negatives.
I also think I may be responsible for the photo taken of Brigitte and staff outside Crawford Street.
I have many pleasant recollections of my time at the pottery, friends made and retained, joint experiences particularly in expanding the throwing room and kiln areas.I still have a couple of coffee mugs somewhere.
A chap called George Dear introduced me to Brigitte. He was a former student of hers I believe. I think he married and he a his wife started a pottery somewhere in South Wales.
Brigitte and I kept in touch for a few years after I left the pottery. She offered me the use of her villa on Gozo as well. An offer I never knocked back. The last time I was there was in 1976.
We lost touch or maybe just faded away after I moved to Australia in 1979, where I am now living aged 70.
Kinds Regards
Michael Dowding
