Lu La Buzz

Clay HUGS – A gift from the Bovey Basin

Apr 282020
 

Clay HUGS – A gift from the Bovey Basin during Lockdown 2020

by Dr Lu La Buzz

HUGS is a special type of clay known only to clay workers in the Bovey Basin. It occurs where two distinct seams of Ball Clay merge together and become one. The clay HUGS featured above, which I have dressed in orange ribbon to match my safety jacket, was presented to me by quarry manager Darrin Hewings, during a visit to Southacre Quarry last year. Whist onsite Darrin, who is a 5th generation clay cutter, also demonstrated the official sigh for HUGS which can be ‘read’ by quarry workers over long distances.

In our current times of lockdown and social isolation, this extraordinary clay – lovingly named HUGS – is a reassuring emblem of strength, compassion and unity.

Darrin and his present team of clay cutters have continued to dig clay throughout lockdown, but will close for a week in May to rest and spend time with their families.

Warm wishes to all. Take care and stay well,

Lu La

Dr Lu La Buzz
Artist, Educator and Champion of Clay

 

Clayside Callings

HUGS Gallery

With special thanks to Darrin Hewings of Sibelco for sharing his industrial knowledge.

 

 

 

The Friendly Clay Wagon

Dec 052019
 

The Friendly Clay Wagon – An introduction by Dr Lu La Buzz

This lovingly restored clay wagon has become a popular landmark in Kingsteignton. After many years of underground service, the wagon (which retired in 1999) is now permanently installed on the roundabout at Clay Pits Way. The wagon’s endearing messages – which change periodically – are a source of delight and amusement for local folk. Whilst working underground in the later part of the last century, these messages would have been functional, to indicate clay type (DA for ‘Dark Alum’ or LB for ‘Light Blue’ as pictured below), but today the messages are purely social; a cheery greeting for local resident Auntie Viv for example.

The wagon first appeared on the roundabout in 2017, and was later joined by an underground mining machine, both of which were restored by local clayworkers. Standing side by side as they now do, the wagon and accompanying mining machine replicate their original assembly underground, with the clay feeder positioned above the wagon.

As a lover of all things clay, I visit the wagon on a regular basis, and am always thrilled to see a new message or dedication. Nick-names, celebratory greetings and football related initials (specifically Liverpool) often appear. Darrin Hewings, who organised the installation (and is responsible for the codes and messages) has plans to install a third piece of machinery, of which I will keep you informed. In the meantime drive by – visit the wagon and experience an open-air tribute to the history of underground mining.

If you would like a message displayed on the wagon please contact us: claysidecallings@zoho.com

Wagons on their way down the mine. The initials LB – ‘Light Blue’ denote clay type.

The same wagons return to the surface laden with ‘Light Blue’ clay.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stills from YouTube film: Underground Mining by machine – WBB Adit 11 Mid 1990s

Dr Lu La Buzz
Artist, Educator and Champion of Clay
Clayside Callings

With special thanks to Quarry Manager, Darrin Hewings for sharing his industrial knowledge and expertise.

 

 

 

Wild Clay Wednesdays – Summer 2019

Oct 152019
 

Wild Clay Wednesdays – Summer 2019

Review by Dr Lu La Buzz

This summer I led a series of creative clay walks at Stover Country Park. They were a huge success. We had plenty of bookings with numbers growing week by week – undoubted proof that people want to learn more about Ball Clay. The hands-on nature of the sessions appealed to all ages. Young children attended with parents and grandparents – all of whom became playfully engaged with the clay.

For many participants, this was the first time they’d experienced clay on-site in its natural habitat. It was a joy to see them seek-out and harvest their own piece of Ball Clay. Hand pinched faces and forms naturally emerged as participants responded to the clay’s soft transformative nature. Some participants chose to create ephemeral art which they left onsite, whilst others took their work home with them, as a lasting momento of their experience. It was a powerfully  tactile experience for all, and an
honour for the clay to be acknowledged in this way.

A good majority of attendees lived in Bovey Tracey, others traveled from Teignmouth, Totnes and Plymouth. As well a young sparky children we had specialists in geology, geography, as well as creative practitioners and teachers. As evidenced below, participants thoroughly enjoyed the sessions and felt enriched by their wild clay encounter.

“Such creative magic occurred between the group as we stepped into the stream barefoot and took that amazing clay in hand. X“
Emma (participant, Totnes)

“Lu La is very passionate about clay and educating others about it. The walk was fascinating, engaging, creative and Magickal. We will be coming along to more of her events in future!”
Claire (participant, Newton Abbot)

I will be running further sessions during Autumn half term and Spring/Summer 2020. For further information please visit:  http://claysidecallings.eventbrite.com

Dr Lu La Buzz
Artist, Educator and Champion of Clay
Clayside Callings

With special thanks to Sibelco for sponsoring these events and Stover Country Park for granting permission to run them.