Tate Britain glory for college tutor
A LECTURER in ceramics at Havering College of Further and Higher Education is wearing a big grin after a piece of her work went on display at one of the country’s most respected art institutions.
Carole Windham, who teaches degree level students on the 3D Graphic Design Programme, has an exhibit in Tate Britain’s summer show, Rude Britannia.
Carole, who lives in Brentwood, crafted the piece Odbadiah, Mastrr of Bursley ten years ago.
Obadiah Sheratt was a 19th century Staffordshire potter and Carole’s piece captures the classic cartoonistic-style of both region and period.
“It’s the least rude piece I have ever made so it’s mad that it got into the Rude Britannia exhibition,” said Carole, who has lectured at the college in Hornchurch, Essex for 23 years.
“It is not a rude piece but is rather more of a historic piece. I made it when I was at the Royal College of Art where it was bought by the then Rector for his office. Out of the blue I received an email to say the piece was going into this new show and could I give them some information for the catalogue. It is a fantastic feeling to see my work in Tate Britain.
“I am interested in Staffordshire pottery in that it is English. I use it as a historical base for my work and it does inspire me.”
Rude Britannia – running at Tate Britain until September 5 - explores British comic art from the 1600s to the present day. The exhibition includes paintings, sculptures, film and photography, as well as graphic art and comic books.
The show is attracting widespread publicity – not least for its room on the Absurd – a room of surreal objects curated by TV Burp presenter Harry Hill.
Carole and her husband Geoffrey, a psychotherapist, were delighted to meet the comedian at last week’s launch event.
She has also had ceramics sold at Sotheby’s in New York and is included in the collection at Brighton Museum.
Carole describes Geoffrey, her daughter Heidi and son-in-law Spencer as her “best critics and ardent supporters, always demanding that the work retains its humanity and humour”.
She has three grandchildren, Tegan, 21, Kaidon, nine and Byron, 18 months and works from her studio at home, often drawing inspiration from family life.
Havering College BA 3D Design programme leader Dr Jane Norris said: “Carole is a successful contemporary artist. The students at Havering College are very fortunate to be taught by an expert whose work is highly respected and can currently be seen in Tate Britain.”
Rude Britannia: British Comic Art is on display at Tate Britain until September 5 with tickets priced at £10.
For further examples of Carole’s work visit her website at www.carolewindham.com
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