One of the wonderful things about attending fairs - both trade and retail - is the really interesting people you meet who are also manning stands. Of course there are some closeted, uncommunicative stand holders but on the whole people tend to be very chatty and helpful.
I think that this is particularly important if the fair is busy as you are pretty much stuck to your stand. Having people who will get coffee or mind the stall while you run to the loos makes the event so much cheerier.
This year at Country Living I was lucky to be surrounded by a really great bunch of people. Chief amongst whom was Ondine Smith who was opposite me and who it was a great thrill to meet as I am rather a fan.
Back in the mid 1990s, when I was living in Glasgow and writing a PhD on a designer of Edinburgh tea rooms, a friend bought me one of her cushions with its motif of off kilter teacups and tea pot. It was the first freehand machine embroidery I had seen and I was bowled over. I am sad to say that the cushion got lost in a house move but, as I always try to buy myself a treat each fair, I bought an embroidered picture from Ondine on a similar theme.
I love the contrast of the tweed and the lace. It is a beautiful piece. And as there is no chance of us moving ever again it will not get lost
Over the past five years or so, many textile artists have incorporated Ondine-style motifs into their work - I wonder how many people know the originals. If you get a chance to see her work, do.
It's beautiful, and how great that you got a chance to meet her. It sounds like you had a lovely time at the fair.
Posted by: Jennifer | November 24, 2009 at 09:21 PM
Hi Jane, as ever your stall looked great - the clean lines and gorgeous allium heads made it stand head and shoulders above the others. Just wish I'd made it to one of your workshops. Hope you won 'best in show'!
P xx
Posted by: Pam | November 25, 2009 at 08:55 AM
Your stall looked lovely - wish I could have been there as I'd like to meet you. I love that piece by Ondine Smith - where can I find out more about her?
Posted by: greedy nan | November 25, 2009 at 03:21 PM
I hope it all went really well at the fair - I received my lovely mugs in the post today - three more presents I can cross off the list! They are even nicer than I imagined - and I am sure that all my brothers-in-law will be very pleased with them!
Pomona x
Posted by: Pomona | November 25, 2009 at 05:49 PM
Oh..I wonder if that was the embroidered picture that I admired on her stand..beautiful.
I have a couple of her little paintings that I bought years ago - love them too.
Glad the fair was a good one for you.
Posted by: Rhiannon | November 27, 2009 at 09:49 AM
Hi Jane. I too am a fan of Ondine but I went twice to introduce myself to her at Hopetoun House and she wasn't there so maybe next year. You stand looked good and I hope it was a good year. I regret not doing CL this year but did ok at Hopetoun and might be back next year. Speak soon
Julie - Totally Tartan
Posted by: Julie Noble | December 02, 2009 at 10:44 AM