This is the new Dan Rox shop in Tiverton, Devon. A new venture for Dan and Adam selling crystals and rocks, running workshops on all aspects of working with crystals, and having guest presenters along to join in the fun. And they had a personal anniversary, too!
… long, long ago, well that’s how it seems! We are unable to post pictures of our Christmas commissions yet, so how about a bit of history.
We first got serious about art and craft in 1994, when we took over a business running ceramic art classes – we called it ‘Studio Minerva’. The shop was built in the mid 1800s and has been used for all sorts of trades.
The picture on the left dates from 1870, the one on the right slightly later. Unfortunately we closed the business in 1999, because trade was not flourishing – and now, ironically, the shop is a financial advisor, ‘Assured Private Wealth’.
But we loved our time there, made many friends, learned loads about ceramics, glazes, kilns, and customers, so thought it fitting to do a caricature of the old place. It hasn’t changed too much in over 100 years. The houses to the left are now replaced by the Co-op.
There are records dating back to 1650 for this Devon cottage. The modern extension is what used to be ‘the stick store’, presumably where firewood was stored, now kitchen/diner with bedroom and balcony above. It is also recorded as being the place where ‘the pauper in the stick store’ resided, according to census records. Apparently, as a family home the younger couple and their children occupied the main house – and grandma was relegated to the stick store.
And now my wife and I call it home.
If your home would like the attention it deserves, or you would like to give a unique and personal gift, contact me for further details.
Image is drawn with dip pen and acrylic ink, enhanced with graphite pencil shading. A4 size.
This lovely Cotswold cottage was isolated from the rest of the row for a special anniversary present. Specific details were included at the commissioners request.
The texture of the honey coloured stone lends itself to the pen and ink technique.
If you need a gift for a special occasion coming up, why not a caricature of their house? Contact me to discuss details.