Anne Mills – portfolio

Contact the artist

https://www.firesidebellows.com/
07592 616130
anne@firesidebellows.com

https://www.firesidebellows.com/about/

Exhibition information

Anne’s fireside bellows feature a timeless design that combines traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. Each one is hand-finished to ensure quality and durability, making them not only practical for tending to fires but also stylish enough to display in any living space. The bellows are carefully built to be more than effective tools; they are beautiful home accessories that enhance the warmth of any fireplace. “I believe in using beautiful local hardwoods and genuine leather that reflect my commitment to traditional craftsmanship.” In addition to their eye-catching design, the bellows are eco-friendly, sourced from responsibly managed forests in England. The sleek nozzle, designed by her, is manufactured in her own Oxfordshire village. The genuine leather adds a touch of luxury, making these bellows an ideal gift for housewarmings or special occasions – and potential family heirlooms!

Artist information

Anne grew up on a property in Australia, where it was the norm to make or repair. When she settled in Oxfordshire, she wanted to avoid feeling faint from blowing on the fire – seemed natural for her to make some bellows! Working with a lovely piece of vintage elm, she fell for the whole process. She is inspired by releasing the potential of the character in the wood – ongoing inspiration comes from the responses when people see, stroke the smooth finish, then pick up and use her bellows… “Watching someone notice Anne’s handcrafted fireside bellows for the first time is to see a whole range of emotions as they are captivated by the soft warm glow in the unique character of the wood – the tentative reaching out to touch the smoothness and the happiness when encouraged to pick them up and ‘have a blow’! Anne never fails to be touched by these reactions to her work. Knowing she wants every finished bellows to trigger the same reaction, Anne takes time searching for woods that have interesting features she can bring out to give each one its own distinctive quality. An interesting knot, a ripple that gives an almost 3D effect, an unusual or appealing grain… Each piece carefully checked so that the most interesting part can be featured in a bellows. Sometimes Anne can be surprised when she reaches the polishing of the bellows and their character is fully revealed – no wonder she loves watching people’s faces when they see them!”

Anne is a Maker Member of Heritage Crafts – the national charity set up to celebrate, support and safeguard traditional craft skills, whose Patron is His Majesty King Charles III.