A Dundee potter who starred in a hit BBC programme has called for the introduction of a regular city street market after claiming he was threatened with arrest for showcasing his work.
Stephen Winstanley, who appeared in The Victorian House of Arts and Crafts earlier this year and recently graduated from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design (DJCAD), fell foul of officials outside V&A Dundee this week.
The artist said he was approached by council staff, senior management from the museum and officers after setting up a display of his work on a bench near the entrance – although Police Scotland insisted it has no record of any such incidents.
Mr Winstanley, who currently travels to Park Lane Market in Glasgow twice a month to sell his work, said he was encouraged to speak out after his friend witnessed him being “harassed” outside the venue.
He said: “I was approached by the council shortly after 11am and I had a bit of a back and forth with the deputy manager from the V&A but they were all alright really.
“I also spoke to two groups of two officers and they told me I needed to move on. They took my name and address and said I need a licence but I wasn’t selling anything.”
Mr Winstanley, whose business Toriod Ceramics has won plaudits in the local art community, joined five other experts on The Victorian House of Arts and Crafts as they practised skills such as wallpaper printing, furniture building and ceramic design.
He also appeared in the popular Kilted Yoga – Jersey Edition advertisement to celebrate the introduction of flights from Dundee to Jersey last year.
The 26-year-old stressed the importance of local artists having a space to showcase their work to the public and receive early validation from making their first sales. He said the city should introduce a regular street market to “inspire people”.
Mr Winstanley said: “If there was something like that going around, I’d be there every week. I go down to Park Lane in Glasgow about twice a month – that’s how my career as a potter got started actually.
“As soon as people want to start buying your work, it just gives your confidence a huge boost. The quality gets better way faster.
“I think something like that would be brilliant in Dundee and would hopefully inspire people to be more creative. There’s a lot of talent here and we should be doing more to support it.”
A V&A Dundee spokesperson said: “A member of the museum team spoke to someone outside V&A Dundee who was displaying ceramics. No further action was taken by the museum.”
Dundee City Council did not respond to a request for comment.
