Monday 11 April 2011

Potted History- Brede Ogre


I promise this will be the last of my mocked-up pots. Real clay is coming out this week... providing i can find the time. The Brede Ogre is a relatively local legend, based on the 16th century character, Sir Goddard Oxenbridge. He was sheriff of Surrey & Sussex and knighted by Henry the Eighth in 1509. Legend says that he stood 7 feet tall with a fearsome moustache! Rumour was that he ate local children for his supper, one a day ( he knew his limits). Eventually, fearing for their lives, the children lured him to his death with a barrel of ale and when he passed out they cut him in half with a saw on the "groaning bridge", East Sussex kids on one side, West Sussex kids on the other. His ghost, in the form of a sawn tree trunk (apparently) still haunts the ancient parish. Blogger Paul will probably correct me with his greater historical knowledge (please do Paul) and point out all my errors of period costume(obviously the 'Ogre' should be wearing fine clothes, but i needed him to just have trousers and boots!!! )



5 comments:

  1. So brilliant! I am really looking forward to seeing actual clay next...

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  2. And I wouldn't dream of correcting you! Its spot on!

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  3. Cheers Paul. I'm trying not to mention the 'C' word... i hope i have some energy left after the kids are in bed tonight. The switch to clay will definitely see a step backwards, i've a lot to learn!.. give me 4 or 5 years!! I see you were enjoying Doug and Andrew's joint jug ( lucky chap, getting access to a pot just like that.) I'd like to see more illustrators set loose on these things.

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  4. I don't know if I have a potter within me, but I do so much want to somehow put my scribbles and scrawlings onto ceramics. Doug and Andrew's collaboration was particularly inspiring.

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  5. Dear Scott
    I'm doing a series of screen prints based on British Folklore (for the nascent Mus. of Brit. Folklore) and wondered if you'd mind me half-inching this tale?
    I should put you in touch with MofBF - they sell folkloric artworks through various pop-shops, as fundrasiers.

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