We wanted to inform you about some changes that will affect this year’s show, we have made the difficult decision to postpone a physical show until 2024. Whilst I know this might seem disappointing to many of our loyal visitors we wanted to assure you that we have an exciting alternative that will be much easier to access by all.
The decision to postpone the show is due to time pressures on our team, whilst we focus on opening our new factory and dealing with the increase in production demand at Valentine Clays. We are also conscious of the difficult times ahead and wanted to support our exhibitors in the best way possible too.
So this year as an alternative we are excited to announce that we are in the process of launching an online and streamed show that will incorporate all of the wonderful elements of the festival with some exciting new additions. As you know we are extremely passionate to do anything we can to try to help our exhibitors, customers and industry. Whilst we are struggling to dedicate the time needed for a physical show this year we still would like to continue to celebrate what Art in Clay Windsor stands for.
So watch this space for further details on our digital show as we will be in touch soon with further details on our exciting plans for Art in Clay Windsor 2023.
Sad it’s cancelled, however in 2024 PLEASE move it out of Windsor, most impractical for people without a car to get to the racecourse. OR, lay on courtesy coaches as many other fairs do.
Didn’t attend last year because the location was not an easy one. Can I ask what was the reason for the change of location?
Chris
So disappointed that there will not be a physical show in 2023! The whole experience is made by meeting people face to face and holding the products, understanding their ‘feel’ and weight etc. And some of the demonstrations and activities were brilliant… Simply cannot see how it will work as an online festival 🙁
The 2022 event at Windsor seemed a bit light in terms of exhibitor numbers and the idea of an online event in 2023 seems like another step down.
Have very fond memories of attending Art in Clay over the many years it was based at Hatfield House. Would very much appreciate a return to that venue and a more extensive exhibitor list. With the Celebrating Ceramics show at WaterPerry this summer it seems to me Art in Clay needs to up its game if it is to survive in any meaningful way.
Well Hatfield did have easy access by train, and car. I havent been to Winsor exhibition as it was too far away, and difficult to get to. The ICF is a much better exhibition, and Art in Clay should follow their lead, IMO.
Of course it all boils down to money. Is it now a financially viable exhibition? It should be with all the new potters up an coming thanks to tv’s TGPT program.
Fingers crossed that Art in Clay can figure out a viable venue and attract more potters and more customers.
Dear Organisators, those last ten years I came to Hatfield nearly each year because it was very simple to reach with the train from London for pedestrians like me and to guide some Belgian potters which were always very interested in this huge show. You should know I’m living in Belgium and I came several times especially to London to visit your show and bought several art pieces there… Even now despite the Brexit I would have like to come over for that important event to me and my colleagues potters and ceramists. Must also say that the location of Windsor is less more practical for us to reach the place now. The train station is quite far by feet from the Racecourse…
Hopefully the postponement will encourage a change in venue. The atmosphere at Hatfield was always so congenial.,,
After attending Hatfield for 26 years, I was really disappointed to no longer be able to attend because of the difficulty of getting to Windsor. (Although my husband was relieved not to have to find space for more purchases.)
An online show is all well and good, but you need to feel what you’re buying with something as tactile as ceramics.
Thank you for letting us know. We will support in whatever way we can. Art in clay is one of the highlights of our year.
My mother and I had been going to Hatfield house for over 10 years. It was one of the highlights of the year for us. We were so disappointed when it moved, and we haven’t been since.
Please consider moving it back to Hatfield house.
I love Winsor and loathed the drive to and fro Hatfield. Get some moreestablished potters back as they currently seem to prefer Waterperry.
It’s seems the consensus of opinion is that Windsor is not in favour as a venue. I’ve only exhibited at AinC once 2022 and unfortunately there was a rail strike combined with a football cup match thrown into the mix which didn’t help. People don’t like change but if a venue like Hatfield became uneconomic then it’s time to move. Several customers commented that it would be better north of the M25.
It’s a mistake to think that because Windsor is a wealthy area they will all be attending and spending in their droves but in the south there are so many things to see,do and spend money on.
If by chance a move to another venue is considered how about Knebworth House, its just above Hatfield on the A1 with a fairly nearby rail station that could be linked with a temporary bus service.
In the past I have done several craft fairs in the grounds which were well attended.
Hope that helps
I agree with everyone else here. A Hatfield Art in Clay regular for a couple of decades, as a non-driver the train station right opposite the venue gates made it so easy to get to. I was prepared to try to get to Windsor by public transport from Lincolnshire (9 consecutive trains, tube and buses and still a long walk at the end of that – and a massively more expensive cost) but that weekend was hit by a rail strike making it impossible. We need something more central and more easy to get to – Nottingham, Grantham or Peterborough would work well for most people, Birmingham even. Sadly, I don’t think Windsor is a viable option. Anything south of London is almost impossible to get to for non-drivers who live north of London.
Well there is always the London Excel Center. It is a massive indoor venue, next to the London Victoria Docks. It has a brilliant rail service, the DLR and the Elisabeth line. There is massive amounts of parking for cars and Van’s. It has food stalls and plenty of toilets and all the amenities anyone could require, including for disabled and wheelchair access. There is also an outdoor area where any RAKU firing demos could be done. I suspect it’s quite expensive but it’s really popular with lots of exhibitions throughout the year. I think it might be a great venue for the Ceramics Art in Clay Fair.