Sixth formers from Langley Park School for Boys and year six children from Pickhurst Junior School in Bromley enjoyed getting creative in a special workshop with Tobe pottery artists.

The four visiting artists worked alongside interpreters to introduce the the unique history of Tobe pottery and the various techniques and painting patterns.  Students were then able to release their creative energy as they painted their own ready-made plate or mug with a design based on one of the patterns shown or an idea of their own, some even incorporating katakana or kanji.  By the end of the sessions, each students had produced an original work ready for firing.   The students’  finished products will then be exhibitied at Te, Tobe Yaki: Tobe Japanese Pottery Exhibition, sitting alongside over 200 works, from sake cups to large art pieces, specially selected and transported from Japan .  The exhbition runs from 18-30 November at 3 Bedfordbury Gallery, Covent Garden – one for the diary!

The workshops were made all the more exciting by the presence of NHK, who will be creating a feature on the artists’ visit to the UK.  Through interviews, students shared their impressions of Japanese arts and culture and practiced some of their Japanese languge skills too.  Students at Langley Park School for Boys are learning Japanese and have a link with a senior high school in Tokyo.  The Japan Society is pleased to see their interest in Japan continue to flourish.