Alice
Walton

Which place do you currently call home and where do you work on your projects?

I currently live in Somerset, England with my husband and 2 year old daughter. I live and work just outside Shepton Mallet, a town nearest to the famous ‘Glastonbury Festival’. This area is known for its natural landscape; it’s rolling Mendip hills, Cheddar Gorge, the Somerset levels and various ancient woodlands. Past and present industries include cider making and brewing, mining and wool and cloth mills.

Where is your studio located & how does it look?

My studio is located within my garden. It is small, 3.5 x 5metres and has windows allowing natural light on each wall. Although compact, I have two electric top loading kilns and a wall to wall desk space allowing me to make large sculptures. The walls are covered with various tests and samples which I use as reference in my work. It looks out over our wildlife pond, garden and further field which is grazed with cows.

I have recently just completed a commission. Although it is a replica of an older piece that sold a while ago to a collector, this piece is in my client’s specific chosen colours scheme, to match their interior specification. It has been an honor to work on, as it has allowed me to work closely with my client and create something which will be treasured and displayed in pride of place, in their new home.

Do you have a favorite place in your area where you like to relax and linger?

Between working from my studio and looking after my daughter, friends and I enjoy meeting up, for the odd relaxed lunch at ‘The Pressoir‘, and independent wine shop and kitchen in Wells. My husband and I also love ‘Aurora Kuisina‘ in Shepton Mallet. A modern Filipino restaurant which never disappoints! 

I often take my daughter to Hauser + Wirth, Somerset, to run around the Oudolf Field Garden and to see which ever show may be on. From here you can also take a short walk up to the Dovecote which is a lovely spot for a picnic.

In terms of day-to-day moments to relax, I love walking. In particular, on the new, purely volunteer initiated, ‘Strawberry Line’: A pedestrianised new pathway which will eventually connect the Mendip Hills with the coast. Old routes through woodlands and disused quarries and tunnels, cross paths and make never ending variations throughout changing seasons.

Are there any urgent political issues or problems in your region?

I think it is the same everywhere in the UK at the moment: The cost of living crisis. In recent years, the cost of essentials like energy, food, and housing have risen faster than household incomes, making it harder for people to afford their bills. This crisis is driven by factors like inflation and global events, disproportionately affecting those on lower incomes and leading to reduced spending, higher debt, and increased use of food banks

In your opinion, what has developed well in the last 5 years—and what has not?

In my local town, a couple of years ago, volunteers have tried to support struggling families and the cost of living crisis, while trying to tackle food waste. A new community fridge has opened in our town which has had incredible results, stopping over 10 tonnes of food going into landfill. The fridge is run by volunteers and is housed in a little building which was also built by the community. 

Do you know a hidden gem when it comes to local manufacturers—whether it’s arts and crafts, sustainable products or food?

For shopping local, I’d recommend ‘the Little Farm Shed’ a family run independent store for food shopping, refills, and on the go snacks. 

For food out, there is a gorgeous little independent cafe which we often visit on a farm called Woven Cafe on Rock Farm in Shepton Mallet. It is small and sells independent crafts, and foods. There is also an avery of budgies which my daughter loves seeing.

There is also ‘Cheeky Bean‘ in Shepton Mallet, a great local coffee shop which sells great breakfast and lunches.

Is there anything particularly innovative in your region? Also in comparison to other places you have already visited?

In 2007, a supermarket and shopping area opened just outside the town centre where I live and drove consumers away from the independent shops of the high street. A new initiative called ‘10 Market Place‘, designed by Interim Spaces , brings new ideas to the high street and help stimulate local economic growth by giving new ventures and rent free space to trade for a year. A few shops in Shepton Mallet has benefited and grown from this support.

Near where I live, ‘Higher Farm‘ in Castle Cary is a table-to-farm restaurant serving seasonal, local produce. Their food is amazing, they offer free lake swimming and events throughout the year. It has a relaxed feel and is in the middle of beautiful countryside.

For music we go to ‘Cheese + Grain‘ in Frome for live music. Although small, there have been some great gigs there, and it often has special guests after Glastonbury Festival show up to provide secret shows.

Do you have a secret restaurant tip that you would like to share with us?

Root in Wells, has amazing little plates to share of mainly vegetarian dishes. They do a great lunch menu and a wonderful atmosphere. I could eat their home made house bread all day!

We had our wedding breakfast at ‘Bistro Lotte‘ in Frome. It feel very special to go back to eat there and never disappoints with food or cocktails from ‘Bar Lotte‘ two doors down.

Holcombe Farm Shop is a hidden gem for breakfasts. It has a great play area outside for kids and is on the river.

We’ve recently discovered the ‘Bath Arms‘ in Crockerton near Shearwater Lake. It makes a wonderful day to have lunch at the pub, then go on an Autumnal Walk.

Is there a local shop whose products are only available in your region?

Godminster Cheese in Bruton has a delicious range of cheeses, smoked, fiery and truffle are amazing. 

Dowding’s Cider is a independent cider maker, which brings a delicious natural taste locally. Also locally and producing cider, or should I say ‘Cyder’: ‘The Newt‘ in Somerset also have a fantastic range, producing in the grounds of their estate.

What are your 3 favourite apps that you use every day and couldn’t live without?

I use Instagram as a sort of diary to record my thoughts, inspirations and stay in touch with friends.

I tend to listen to podcasts in my studio, while I’m working and go from recommendation. I don’t use one podcast service, but am currently listening to ‘The Sound of Colour’ hosted by Sarah Gottlieb on Buzzsprout.

Finally, I have recenty been introduced to the ‘Pantone‘ app. It is quite fun to colour select from your surroundings and helps to breakdown the sensory overload we encounter in everyday life.

Do you have any favourite newspapers or online magazines? And how do you keep up to date with politics or social and cultural issues?

I read ‘Gardeners World‘ and ‘The Simple Things‘ Magazine, mainly to bring a small piece of positivity to the general relentless awful news which scares and swamps our daily lives. I read Crafts Magazine and C-File Online for arts news. My local news comes from a local Somerset Newsletter circulated weekly.

One last question: If you could choose another place to live—regardless of financial or time constrains—which one would you choose?

I don’t think I really have one specific place I would like to live, although I would love for all my family to live closer together. I would love to have a countryside house where I have a view of the sunset and am close to a beach. I would also like to have land in which I can grow countless vegetables to be as self sufficient as possible.