Book Signing with Matthew Rice
Meet painter, illustrator and author Matthew Rice as he debuts his new book ‘A Year in the Garden’, documenting a typical year spent at Ham Court. Join us from 3-5pm in the Reading Room for this unique opportunity.
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A Year in the Garden at Ham Court
Credit: Tom Pilston
Join us to meet Matthew
A much-loved painter and illustrator, Matthew Rice is perhaps best known for his distinctive designs for Emma Bridgewater pottery. Working predominantly in bright, expressive watercolours, his charming compositions celebrate the subjects closest to him, from flowers and animals to gardens, architecture and the character of the British landscape.
Creativity has always been part of Matthew’s world. His father designed sets and costumes for opera, ballet and theatre, while his mother was a textile designer. After studying at the Central School of Art in London, Matthew went on to create designs for Emma Bridgewater for 30 years, with millions of pieces bearing his illustrations now enjoyed in homes around the world. Join us in our Reading Room to meet Matthew Rice on Friday 30th October from 3-5pm, with no booking required.
'I rarely settle for simplicity, such as just drawing a dog in the centre of a blank canvas. If there’s space for a landscape, then why not include one? And if there’s a landscape, there should be buildings. If there are buildings, perhaps they should be seen through branches. What might be in the branches? Before long, the composition transforms into a rich mosaic of imagery.'
Matthew Rice
Matthew Rice
Meet Matthew Rice
Matthew Rice has published ten books, exploring everything from architecture to much-loved places including Rome, Oxford and Venice, and also leads painting workshops in Bampton. Creativity very much runs in the family: Matthew shares his office with his eldest daughter, Lil, co-founder of Fools Delight Circus with her husband, whose summer performances take place each year in Matthew’s own orchard.
And as if that wasn’t enough to keep him busy, Matthew also opens the beautiful gardens at Ham Court to visitors throughout the summer months.
A Year in the Garden at Ham Court
Credit: Tom Pilston
A Year in the Garden
Filled with his distinctive illustrations and designed to be a companion throughout the gardening year, A Year in the Garden beautifully captures the rhythms, details and everyday pleasures of life outdoors. Through personal anecdotes, practical advice and delicious recipes, Rice explores everything from planning and planting to harvesting, alongside the inevitable trials and surprises that every gardener encounters.
Join us on the day to have your copy signed and leave with plenty of ideas and encouragement to carry back into your own garden, whatever the season.
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