John Townsend attended this event at Faenza and was kind enough to give us a flavour of it. I do hope more members (and non-members) will consider it for 2014.

Faenza, Italy, hosted the third Argilla on 31 August to 2 September.

This biennial event in the city famous since the renaissance for it’s majolica ware (’faience’) has developed into a high energy phenomenon combining an international ceramic fair, multiple demonstrations and a whole city celebrating it’s passion for high quality ceramics.

170 ceramists from 15 countries were spread out in the gaily decorated streets of the historic centre which were thronged with many thousands of locals, visitors from other Italian cities and tourists from the rest of the world. There was a special display from this year’s invited country – Finland

Two kilns were built and fired in the main piazza and lectures, demonstrations and social events crowded the busy weekend. An excellent organizing team with many enthusiastic volunteers ensured the success of the event.

The organizers have worked hard since 2005 to create a network of common interest in the ceramic communities of Italy and the rest of Europe and are keen to widen the circle to include the UK.

I enjoyed being part of this major event and hope more British ceramists will be at the next edition in 2014!

John Townsend

1. Happy customer. 2. Outside the International Ceramic Museum. 3. More Happy Customers. 4.In the historic centre. 5. Enthusiastic Volunteer