Friday 25 March 2016

Happy 182nd Birthday William!

Last Saturday, a group of about 70 members came together at University College to celebrate the 182nd birthday of William Morris. Potter and porcelain artist Joseph Panacci talked very engagingly and enthusiastically about his career, collaborations, influences, Morris, and his passion for wood-fired pottery, assisted by his lovely daughter April, who operated the gorgeous slide show.

Joseph had brought some of his wares which was a good thing, as after the lecture, most of us were salivating to see his pieces in the flesh, as it were. Sales were brisk and then Joseph gave a lovely birthday toast in honour of Morris and the cakes (three this year!) were cut.

The birthday cakes were built by the society cake team of Laura, James and Gianna. They were inspired by the "Faith, Hope and Charity" stained glass windows designed by Edward Burne-Jones and built by Morris & Co. for Christ Church Cathedral Oxford, although this same design has appeared in other churches too. The cakes were three layers of devil's food chocolate cake, sandwiched with frosting, covered in chocolate fondant, with the centres removed to house battery-operated lighting. You can see a video of the cakes, which shows the lighting quite effectively, on our Facebook page.