INTERVIEW: Design legend's vase inspired by Lancaster landmark to go on public display

Jess Tubman with the Sally Tuffin ceramic vase she is donating to the Ashton Memorial

A stunning vase by a renowned designer inspired by one of Lancaster's most famous landmarks will go on public display in Williamson Park.

The ceramic vase depicting the Ashton Memorial will be donated to the park by Jess Tubnam, who runs the Penny Street Collectables antiques shop in the city.

Penny Street Collectables has had 20 vases with the Ashton Memorial on them specially commissioned to be made by Sally Tuffin.

The 'number one' edition vase will be presented to Lancaster City Council, owners of Williamson Park, and will be on display for the public to see.

The hand over to the Mayor of Lancaster, Councillor Margaret Pattison, will be held at the Memorial this Friday (July 4).

"We are so lucky that Sally has agreed to do this commission for us," said Jess.

"Everybody in Lancaster knows the Ashton Memorial. It means lots of different things to lots of different people. It's such an iconic building of Lancaster.

LISTEN to our interview with Jess Tubnam

"We are hoping it can be in the Memorial in a special glass case but there is also talk of it being housed in the cafe, which is in the midst of a refurb.

"It will be up here for everyone to see."

Sally Tuffin, born in 1936, is a fashion designer and ceramicist.

Alongside Marion Foale, she was half of Foale and Tuffin, the groundbreaking fashion label of 1960s London.

She then became a renowned ceramicist at Moorcroft, a leading UK pottery manufacturer.

The vase is 11 and a half inches tall and was made using the highly skilled technique of tube lining.

"It's stunning," said Jess.

"I loved it as soon as I saw it.

"Each one is numbered with her name on the bottom, and the shop's name Penny Street Collectables."

There are still three of the vases available, which are made to order.

The shop on Penny Street has been open for almost eight years and sells antique, vintage and modern collectables.

"I always bought and sold, online at first, loved it, did car boot sales and small flea markets and built it up from there," said Jess.

"I love ceramics, I love hunting, that's the best part of antique-ing, that adrenaline you get when you find something exciting."

The event on Friday starts at 2pm. It is hosted by Penny Street Collectables and presented by David Harper from TV's Antiques Road Trip.

There will be a welcome reception with light refreshments, the presentation of the vase to the mayor, and a scheduled live videolink Q&A with Sally Tuffin, 

"if you're interested in fashion, pottery and art, you're very welcome to come along," said Jess.

Limited places are available. Please contact Penny Street Collectables to reserve your place.

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