Page 63 of Wild Swimming at Croftwood Lake
Nora’s first stop was the room next door to the kiln, where Neil would have put her pots. If they’d survived the firing.
‘Oh, yes!’ Nora said, picking one up and feeling the weight of it. ‘They’re okay.’ There were one or two missing, probably amongst the first ones she’d tried, but considering she’d been concentrating more on the form than the construction, she was pleased.
‘How are you going to decorate them?’ Archie asked.
‘I’m not sure yet. I don’t know whether to paint a design on them or let a clever glaze do the work. I was channelling the regency period and if I’m true to that, they would have had a fairly intricate design on them. But that’s not really me. If it’s going to be my new collection, it needs to look like it’s mine. You know?’
‘I do,’ he said, nodding. ‘May I?’
‘Of course.’
Archie picked up one of the more robust looking pots. ‘I can’t help but be reminded of some of the pieces we have at home.’
‘I did make these the day after I’d been to yours for the first time. It was inspiring, and actually, the vase that you’re auctioning, that kind of thing isn’t my vibe. But I loved some of the less showy crockery. Beautiful things you can use every day.’
‘Nora! Back from the wilds of Dorset.’ Val came into the room, not noticing Archie at first since the door hid him. ‘Oh. Hello.’ Her eyes darted from Archie to Nora.
‘Val, this is Archie. Archie, Val is the production manager.’
‘Very pleased to meet you, sir,’ said Val.
‘No, don’t call him sir, Val. It’s fine,’ said Nora.
‘Please. Call me Archie. It’s lovely to meet you.’
Val was uncharacteristically silent. Nora knew it’s because she’d been set on getting the low down about the wedding and their mini-break and couldn’t think what to say instead.
‘I wanted to chat to Mel about glaze for these new pots,’ said Nora. ‘Have you got time to give Archie a quick tour of the pottery while I do that? Then we’re going to do some throwing.’
‘Oh, are you a potter, Archie?’ Val asked.
‘Not at all. This is the first I’ve heard about it, but I’ve always wanted a go.’
‘As long as it doesn’t turn into the scene from Ghost,’ Val said, laughing. ‘Right, come on then.’
Mel was the person who knew the most about glazing and finishing out of everyone who worked at the pottery, and although Nora did all the finishing and glazing on her bespoke collections herself, it was brilliant to have an expert like Mel on hand for advice. By the time Nora had settled on a couple of different treatments she might try, Val had delivered Archie back to her.
‘It’s an incredible operation,’ he said to Nora. ‘Impressive to say the least.’
‘Thank you. I’ve got an incredible team,’ she said, grinning at Val.
‘Come and find me before you go,’ Val said. ‘Good luck with the throwing,’ she said to Archie. ‘You’ll need it.’
Archie laughed. ‘Oh. You’re not joking,’ he said, when he realised Nora and Val weren’t joining in.
‘I mean, you might be a natural,’ said Nora. ‘But it’s unlikely.’
‘People watch the pottery show on television and think it’s easy,’ said Val.
Archie looked at Nora, his eyes wide.
Once Nora had been through the basics with him, helping him throw a couple of simple pots, she left him to practise while she sat at the wheel next to him and began her own.
‘It’s fascinating watching you,’ said Archie. His wheel was still, the lump of clay he was working on centred, but nothing else. ‘I feel as if I’m using all my strength to keep the clay doing what I want, whereas you make it look effortless. As if it’s bending to your slightest touch.’
Nora looked at him. She could see the admiration and love in his eyes, and it made her feel quite emotional. She stopped the wheel and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand.
‘What’s wrong?’ Archie got up from his wheel and came over, hugging her awkwardly to avoid getting his clay-covered hands all over her.
