Bellarmine Jugs - Beginning a collection

 Earlier this year I began in my spare time to work towards the idea (or perhaps I should say hope?) of working fully as an illustrator/artist/writer, something which combines many of my passions and interests, and attempting to earn a living from it. A dream I have been chasing all my life. A recent revelation led me to explore archaeological illustration as a possible route for this.

Over the last 5 years I have loved the time I have spent volunteering on community archaeology projects. It has allowed me to expand my knowledge and skills in the field, but also in recording and identifying. Section drawings and plans of trenches have been some of my favourite duties on digs (which I suppose as an artist is only natural). So I decided it could be time to expand this to artefact illustration.
Having touched on this briefly before in my mini curios series some years ago I decided it was time to truly embrace the idea and illustrate some more small treasures. And I began with the fragments of something which fascinate me completely; Bellarmine or Bartmann Jugs. 

I began a project to reach out to independent museums to form mutually beneficial partnerships on the proviso; I illustrate your artefacts, I can use the images to build my portfolio, you can use them in the museum: we both benefit.
A long time follower of my artwork kindly suggested I contact the Bellarmine museum in Norfolk to discuss such a proposition. Shocked that I had never heard of its existence given my passion for Bellarmine I wrote to the owner Alex immediately.
The response was an unexpected one. Unfortunately the museum had closed 2 years previously. However it was now an antique store selling the museums collection amongst other things.
My reaction to this was a mixed one. Disappointment at missing my chance to visit a museum full of glorious Bartmann, but excitement that the faint hope of purchasing a piece from the collection existed.

So the plan went ahead, a summer trip to Cambridge and Ely, with a detour to Swaffham and the former Bellarmine Museum. First impressions of Swaffham were favourable. A quaint little place, varied and interesting buildings, a nice vibe, a bustling popular looking Saturday market and that eternally welcome sight; a free car park.
After a short walk to the now shop 'Antiques of London Street' we were kindly greeted by Alex and Deanna. I briefly explained that I was the strange lady who had contacted Alex some months previous, and Bellarmine conversation ensued. Alex kindly opened the cabinet of Jars on sale for me  and asked would I like to hold one. To say I was thrilled would be an understatement. To hold something I've only ever seen in books, museum collections, exhibitions and the very occasional antiques shop (this marked my third) was truly thrilling. 

Alex Wright - Bellarmine expert and all round nice chap!

A long discussion about a whole host of subjects ensued, from music to antique furniture to books and museums and back to pottery again.
Alex and Deanna were delightfully wonderful and interesting conversation. The sort of folks it would be a joy to chat with down the pub and share a few beers with while setting the world to rights.
After realising how much of Deanna and Alex's afternoon we had taken up with our waffle we made our choices of what to take back to Summerisle Cottage. 

I was absolutely overjoyed to be able to begin my Bellarmine collection in the most fitting way; with some pieces from the museums collection. While I cant afford a complete jug (at present at least) 3 fragments were more than I'd hoped to be able to acquire, so I am absolutely thrilled to be their new custodian.
It was an absolute pleasure to meet Alex and Deanna. Thank you for taking the time to share some of your vast knowledge and expertise with us! If you're in the area be sure to check out the beautiful, intriguing pieces on sale at Antiques of London Street, Swaffham, Norfolk.