Courtyard an oasis of the arts

ARTISANS at Great Yarmouth's newest creative space are settling into their surroundings to work on their hand made fares, which range from pies to pottery.

The Courtyard, based in Main Cross Road next to Blackfriars Brewery, opened its doors a month ago as a space in which artisans can work and sell their goods to the public, who can wander among the work.

The idea is the brainchild of Joe Larter and Bruce Carter, who own the site of The Courtyard, which is a historic former herring industry warehouse building.

Over previous months, a wide number of craftsmen have chosen to make The Courtyard their home, and included in the works going on are silk flower designers, candlemakers and glassmakers.

For the hungry, there is Mary's Country Kitchen, which sells home cooked food, and there are also jewellers, stained glass makers and a sampling of the arts with The upstairs Gallery, while those who just want to sit down can have a drink in the covered courtyard area.

Having jumped into the deep end by leaving her job as manager of Gorleston-based estate agent Property People six years ago to become a full time potter, Susan Holmes, 59, now runs the Clay Academy on the site.

As well as using the workshop alongside four other potters to create her works, Susan offers visitors the chance to be 'potter for a day' with tuition. She said:

“It's great for anyone who would love to go into pottery but doesn't have the money to buy things like a kiln, and The Courtyard is such a nice place to do these things.

“It's like an oasis of arts and crafts in the middle of an industrial part of Yarmouth, and there is a kind of continental atmosphere here. We've also got lots planned for the summer, so watch this space.”

The Courtyard is open every day of the week except Monday, and is open from 10.30am to 5pm. For more about The Courtyard call Mr Larter on 07785 343500 or visit www.thecourtyard.co.uk.