Proprietor of The Hare and The Hen at Dalegate Market is still taking commissions and orders for her pottery and crafts

Although the coronavirus pandemic has forced the proprietor of an established craft shop and pottery in Burnham Deepdale to close, its proprietor is determined to carry on creating.

Philippa Lee who first opened her shop The Hare and The Hen at Dalegate Market ten years ago, is still very much in business for taking commissions and crafting to order.

Her distinctive style of pottery, often hand painted with subjects found in Norfolk, ranging from birds to beach huts, has attracted a strong following of customers over the years. But although she closed her shop on March 21, she's continuing to work her potter's wheel and hand craft items which can be delivered or alternatively collected from her Snettisham home.

Philippa, who has been making pots in Norfolk for 26 years, told the Lynn News: " I am still able to work at home but obviously without a shop window. I still enjoy the whole process and feel very lucky to have been able to make a living from my creativity.

"I am not ready to hang up my apron or clean the clay from beneath my finger nails.

"The Hare and The Hen has evolved into a very special place with so many loyal customers who enjoy the shop and all its beautiful things. As well as my work, I sell pots made by many other potters, prints, wood lampbases, lampshades, jewellery, glass and textiles. My card selection is also very popular."

Philippa's daughter, Helen Fisher, also has her own craft shop and gallery in Norwich, called The Giggly Goat, which is a thriving concern and this is her sixth year of trading.

Said Philippa: "Our business is selling face to face and this abrupt end has been very difficult to accept. We would like to try and generate some business online to help keep our interest up – and to help pay the bills.

"The doors are shut and shutters down, but if we can be of any help with present buying and commissions, we can send work out if necessary and take online BACS payments. We have both become very skilled at making parcels javelin proof."

To get in touch with Philippa send an email to philippalee-pots@hotmail.com or call 07875150027. Helen can be contacted by sending an email to info@thegigglygoat.co.uk or call 07709147956.