This pottery goblet dates to the early 1970’s. It was made in Campbellville, Ontario by Sheridan College graduate, Helen Beswick. Around 1967, Helen moved to the historic Crawford House in Campbellville and established a studio called “A Place with the Lions”. The studio derived its name from the antique terracotta lion statues on each side of the front door. In 1980, Helen moved to Dundas. Her involvement in ceramics has not only been in the making of work. She has given her time to the Burlington Arts Centre (now Art Gallery of Burlington) being involved with the Potters Guild and Acquisitions Committee plus the Carnegie Gallery in Dundas and Hamilton Potters Guild. She wrote a column for the Dundas newspaper for over 30 years.
Helen has used many marks over the years sometimes signing and dating a piece or an HB in a impressed in a square. The early work as below has the stamp of a lion’s paw.
This is my favourite goblet for its glaze and light weight. It is also very comfortable to hold.
3 comments
Karen McPhee
My mother Addy.McPhee met Helen in a pottery class.They enjoyed a wonderful friendship for many years.
Stan Nowak
Helen Beswick is one of my personal heroes! An artist, a journalist and a multi-term Dundas Town Councilor, Helen excelled at them all! I’m proud to have been a recipient of one of her fabled ‘21-gun salutes’ in one of her columns in the Dundas Star News! She taught me about civic passion and taking pride and ownership in one’s home community!
Kate Roberston
Helen was a great friend of my mother’s. We have a lovely duck she made for my mom 20 years ago.
Wonderful woman.