Franschhoek Art in Clay Festival: Pop up Lunch at David Walter’s Studio
Franschhoek is celebrating its ceramists and potters during the month of October. Master potter David Walters, his wife Michelle and their daughter Sarah Walters, herself an esteemed potter, opened up their gallery this Sunday past, to host a gorgeous lunch for friends and a few bloggers and journalists.
“Respect the art and the artists while they are alive” was the impassioned message David shared as he related the story of the Chinese vase that sold for a ludicrously astronomical price, because it was not sufficiently appreciated during the 18th Century and made its way out of China to the West. £43 million, the price it fetched at the auction! Fitting that the carp on the vase symbolises plenty.
David’s work table, originally bought in Pietermaritzburg for a song and alive with the family’s history was wiped down and decked in many of the elements used in his pottery making, the pièce de résistance being the delicate, ethereal trees made by daughter Sarah. The table dresser, Leonard of Ebony had the guests oohing and ahhing all afternoon. (If you want to wow at your next party, contact Leonard- my FAB tip of the day. Tip two would be to buy a bunch of Sarah’s ceramic trees).
Reuben Riffel, David Walters, Reuben prepping
The lunch we enjoyed was prepared by the very charming (and highly in demand) chef Reuben Riffel, who spent some time discussing the menu and chatting with guests.
The starter consisted in four different canapes, each with a flavour kick- the most talked about being the baby spinach salad with parmesan, truffle, yuzu and langoustine oil. I’m so proud of my husband for detecting the yuzu- it truly is a once tasted, never forgotten flavour. Speaking of which, it’s time to visit Nobu again, I think.
Succulent duck leg served in a lovely complex citrus, soy and honey sauce was the main.
Dessert was a vanilla bean panna cotta with signature Reuben forest of fruits and fruit crisps.
pottery & ceramics by David Walters & Sarah Walters
David makes made-to-order, bespoke dinnerware, bowls and vases. I could not resist buying a few of the more off-beat pieces, one of which I used in a food shoot this week. A wonderful surprise came in the form of one of Sarah’s gorgeous bird pendants on necklace that my husband tucked into a Diwali box of treats for me today. He must have seen me pick the pendant up on Sunday, and yes I did wonder how it would look on. I can now confirm, very, very lovely.
pendant by sarah walters
The Art in Clay festival continues until the 30th of October, please visit the Franschhoek tourist web site for more information on events, the bazaar and other pop up lunches.
David Walters
The Ceramics Gallery
24 Dirkie Uys Street
Franschhoek 7690
Western Cape
telephone & fax: + 27 21 876 4304
email: info@davidwalters.co.za
*Lunch was sponsored by Robertsons Spices and wines by Boekenhoutskloof (Wolf Trap).*
*With sincere thanks to my writer & blogger friend Jane-Anne Hobbs for the invitation*
looks stunning Ishay 🙂
so very nice – the food must have been delicious 🙂
hugs
Betty Bake x
Was a lovely day indeed Bx
Your photos are amazing………..and the descriptions of the food, the artists and the event itself – so beautiful Ishay. But it is the photo of you, in all your beauty, that I love the most. AND that is a very beautiful little bird hanging around your neck! Lucky girl xx
Mona dear, thank you. Look at me, parading myself on the blog eh! Love that little bird x
You are so very welcome Ishay, and thank you for this lovely post. It was a pleasure to see you at the table. Am I lucky to have David as an uncle and Sarah as a cousin, or what?
Very lucky Janey, but I suspect there’s a load of mutual appreciation from the Walters clan too. Lovely people, as are all Maritzburger’s *ahem*
Oh how lucky to attend this! Looks just wonderful – I am always filled with envy when I see his pieces on JA’s blog – and I deeply desire those duck-egg blue bowls in your pics… Guess I will have to head to the studio when I am in CT again next year!