Whiteknights Studio Trail at The MERL

This year is the 25th year of the Whiteknights Trail. The work of around 40 artists will be displayed across many venues around the Whiteknights campus area. The MERL is delighted to be hosting two artists this year: Mark Ripley and Ursula Waechter.

Visitors are invited to stroll around, enjoy the art, and see the artists’ work and processes, as well as enjoy some tea and cake in the MERL café and visit the museum too. 

Mark Ripley 

With a degree in furniture design, Mark has run his own workshops since the 1980’s. His work is inspired by English vernacular furniture covering a wide range of domestic furniture, installations and pieces for public spaces. Mark is now focussing on chair making and smaller commissions from his Hampshire studio.   

The natural sustainability of temperate hardwoods is a factor close to the heart of making. Mark’s work is designed and made to last two or three times the lifetime of the trees from which it is made. It is also a carbon sink, storing carbon which is an additional environmental factor.             

Website: www.mark-ripley.com 

Instagram: markripleyfurniture  

Ursula Waechter 

Ursula makes tin-glazed earthenware pottery for use and decoration. The traditional technique used is called Maiolica. She throws and press moulds her work and brush-decorates with oxides and bright stains; her designs are a mixture of calligraphic brushwork, resist and sgraffito techniques.

Bespoke lettered pieces can be commissions from her, and she also offers individual tuition in throwing and decorating at her workshop near Kingsclere.   

Websites: www.ursulawaechter.com  www.craftsguild.co.uk 

Instagram: uwaechterceramics  

Image credit: Ursula Waechter