Original oil paintings for sale

We have updated the web site to include a variety of original oil painting for sale, just click on the ART tab on the left of the screen. All paintings are painted by Ernie in the unique setting of the smoke houses where he obtains most of his insipration.

New original oil paintings for sale

These smaller than usual paintings are part of a series or can be purchased individually, framed or unframed, prices on request. The paintings also feature on a pair of the new limited edition tankards.

New art classes for November 2011

OIL PAINTING with Ernie        

PENCIL DRAWING with Ernie   

WATER COLOURS with Jim      

GREETING CARDS  with Terri

CLAY WORK with Ernie or Karen (booking only)

Potters wheel and clay work. The sessions are by appointment and can incorporate individual designs or as a tutorial.

For more information or if you were interested in a session not listed, please contact the potteries. Booking is essential and payment using credit and debit cards can be processed over the phone.

Gift cards are also available on request.  

 

MARITIME FESTIVAL 2011

Up to 30,000 people enjoyed two days of nautical-themed fun at the weekend as Great Yarmouth held its 12th annual Maritime Festival. Over Saturday and Sunday large crowds thronged the resort’s South Quay area as people got up close to a fleet of vessels that had dropped anchor at the town. Basking in bright sunshine and hot weather, the quayside was alive with the sound of music with groups such as the Sheringham Shantymen, DPA and Ernie’s favourites, the Ploughjockeys , thrilling the crowds.

  

Children were also well catered for with the largest amount of craft activities based on nature to date, Such as Jo who this year managed the Norolk Wildlife trust marquee. Festival organisers said Saturday’s attendance was about 15,000 – beating last year’s figure – and a similar amount of people attended on the Sunday. Ernie and Karen would personally like to thank all who supported the event and looks forward to seeing you next year!
Next year’s festival will take place on the weekend of September 1 and 2.


We are pleased to announce art classes are now available. The third in a series of workshops is currently taking place and we are now taking bookings.

  

 A painting for the people is at St Nicholas Church

 On the evening of 23rd June, the unveiling of 'the painting for the people' took place at St Nicholas' Church in Great Yarmouth to mark the 800th Anniversary of the King John Charter. The Charter which was instituted 800 years ago in 1208 and sealed the future of the borough by making it a ‘free borough for ever’. 

It took 2 years to complete the painting which became 20 foot in length. Ernie only used the very best paint and materials as it was designed to last. Depicted in the painting are people from all walks in life and ordinary people are standing next to millionaires.

Ernie has put a great deal of time and work into the painting even working through the night time. He thanked everyone who helped and gave their support and obviously to Karen.

  The Revd Peter Paine, spoke about the painting. He said that he had viewed it 2 years ago when it was in its very early stage. The committee discussed ways in which they could commemorate the 800th Anniversary and decided that they wanted to create something that would be for everyone. The faces in the painting are of local people dressed in medieval costumes. On view there were photos of the people who took part in this remarkable painting. Peter said that it was like a huge jigsaw puzzle and that the unveiling was the final piece of that jigsaw.

The congregation stood to face the painting and the High Steward of Great Yarmouth removed the covering which was the Seafarers Mission Flag, while there was a musical item by ‘The Plough Jockeys Shanty Singers’.

  

The service was brought to a close by his worship the Mayor, Councillor Michael Jeal. He thanked everyone for coming to this event and also the committee who had organised all the events including this service. He said that Ernie was the salt of the earth and that he is a good steward for this borough. The Mayor said that he had known Ernie and Karen for many years and he thanked him for his work and also thanked his wife for all the support that she had given.

The ofiicial opening of the main entrance

His Worship the mayor of Great Yarmouth opening the new entrance of the GreatYarmouth Potteries. After many years of waiting the new entrance on the other side if the medieval town wall has been opened. 

Established in 1978 by Ernie Childs Great Yarmouth Potteries has developed from its original small beginnings to encompass asssociate crafts, Sculpture, art origination, Mold making, Relief carving for ceramics and Bronzes, Oil painting and lithographic printers for pottery. We manufacture many different lines in pottery but our main product is limited edition Tankards. Our tankards hand carved in relief have over 30 years become collectors items. In our time in bussiness we have created 250 separate editions each of a different subject and limited to anything between 100-500 each edition. These antiques of tomorrow are already in demand and some rarer ones fetch hundreds of pounds far above their original price, lifeboat stations, historic manor houses, churches, military organisasions have all benifited from the sale of our tankards.

 The smell of the herring, the sound of the militia's muskets and the harmonies of shanty singers have been stowed away for another year. We would like to thank everyone who has helped the potteries this year helping to make it such a  big success. From carrying the large oil paintings, barrels and nets to creating and manning our colorful stall. The lessons consist of four sessions each lasting 2 hours. Every session is with a experienced tutor in a laid back and friendly environement. Classes which can be booked are oil painting, water colours and pencil work. We also offer a pottery session on the potters wheel (please see GO POTTY link on the website). Prices for each of the classes is £9 per person and pencil drawing £6. Gift vouchers are also available and all the sessions must be booked in advance.