Wirral Arts : Former textile teacher, Alison Hine turns to ceramics

Jul 27 2011 by Matt Hurst, Birkenhead News

A FORMER teacher is hoping skills gained during a career in textiles will lead to success with a new line of ceramics.

Alison Hine taught at schools across Wirral for 25 years, but three years ago decided to set up her own art business.

Alison told Wirral Arts: “I just decided to set up on my own and use my textile skills.

“I’ve just started selling work locally at exhibitions and things are taking off.”

The 50-year-old’s work makes use of geometric patterns and shapes to deliver an effect similar to that found in Islamic art.

She originally began by producing large canvas pieces, and succeeded in securing a commission from Chester’s Hoole Hall to create artwork for their spa.

This was followed by contact from West Kirby’s Amici Coffee Shop, where several of Alison’s images can be found gracing the walls.

But despite the success, Alison decided to search for a different medium to carry her designs.

The mum-of-one, who lives in West Kirby, said: “I just kept thinking, what else could I do with the patterns and designs?

“I thought they would look good on mugs, they were bright and bold enough for that.

“So I invested in the equipment and started producing mugs.

“I’m really pleased because they stand out, particularly in a modern kitchen.”

She has coupled the mugs with ethically sourced canvas bags to create a gift package and says she will look to develop fair trade ceramics in future.

She said: “If I think where I was a couple of years ago, I never thought I would be doing ceramics.

“It’s just moving on all the time.”

Priced £12.50, the mugs have already been stocked in West Kirby’s Staacks gallery and will be available online.

Alison is also looking for any other independent retailers who may be interested in carrying her creations.

She added: “I was very happy in teaching as it was a very rewarding career for me and leaving was a difficult decision.

“But it was something I felt I had to try otherwise I would always wonder ‘what if’.”

To find out more, visit the website at www.alisonhine.co.uk