Welcome
The National Museum of Australian Pottery is the only Museum dedicated to 19th and early 20th century Australian pottery and is the culmination of many years of collecting and research throughout Australia.
On display are over 1,200 pieces of domestic pottery from over 120 Australian pottery companies established between European settlement and the end of World War I, (1918).
Amongst the extensive range of pottery wares, such as simple preserving jars, jugs, colourful cheese covers, beautiful bread plates and elegantly decorated water filters are a few rare examples of pottery made by the convict potter Jonathan Leak, who’s few surviving pieces are the earliest marked pottery produced in Australia.
Also on display are over 100 original photographs, showing the interior and exterior of many potteries, exhibition displays and portraits of the potters along with catalogues, price lists and numerous old advertisements.
News From The Museum
ANNUAL CLOSURE
Just a reminder to all those who are planning to visit, the museum will be closed from 1st August until it reopens on the 2nd September. Look forward to seeing you then.
History Week 4th to 12th September 2010
During History week the Museum is running a guided tour and floor talk on William Holford’s Influence on Australian Pottery.
This guided tour concentrates on 40 plus pieces of decorative pottery made by William Holford between 1877 and 1912. It is an opportunity to learn about William Holford’s art and design influence on early Australian pottery and see how his designs were copied by many potters through out Australia.
Guided tours (around one hour) will take place each day at 11am and 2pm. Closed on Wednesday the 8th.
OUR LATEST IMPORTANT ACQUISITIONS
This lovely Majolica glazed cheese cover and plate decorated with a maze pattern made at the Bendigo Pottery c. 1880 and impressed with the small ‘anchor’, was purchased in January thanks to the Friends Of The National Museum Of Australian Pottery Inc. 
The piece was brought into the Museum by a couple in their late 30’s. When asked they told me that after they were married they moved into an old house on a property in central Victoria, which had been in the family for around 150 years. When they began tidying it up before moving in they came across a very high cabinet in the bathroom that they needed a ladder to reach and that’s where they found the cheese cover and plate. Neither of them nor their daughter liked it, in fact they thought it was down right ugly and was quite happy to sell it. As the Friends were looking for an important piece to add to the collection they decided to purchase it.
Posted on 18 June 2010 by NMAP
WHY NOT COME AND VISIT THE MUSEUM
The reputation of the Museum is spreading wide and far so why not come and visit the museum. Over the past couple of months there have been a number of very important pieces added to the collection, which are all on display. We also have a small number of selected pieces for sale.
We can cater for large and small groups with homemade morning tea, afternoon tea or supper, introduction talk and a guided tour. We also serve a delicious homemade Devonshire tea.
So if you would like us to tailor a visit for your group or club please contact us.
We look forward to seeing you soon at the Museum
FRIENDS OF NMAP Inc.
The Friends of NMAP Inc. is celebrating its third year of get togethers at the Museum, all the meetings have been well attended by members from far and wide who have all enjoyed themselves and taken away a greater knowledge of collecting Australian pottery. If you would like to become a member you can find a membership form in the ‘NMAP FRIENDS’ section.
NEWSLETTER REMINDER
Potting About in its new electronic format has just been e-mailed direct to subscribers for the fourth time and has been very well received. It includes information on the latest acquisition to the collection, details of the latest auctions and e-bay results, articles on 19th & 20th Century potters plus much more.
DON'T MISS OUT SUBSCRIBE NOW
Two Sample Pages
This edition also included an article on Australian Made Money Boxes, an article published in 1949 on Stones Pottery in Brisbane, Notice about a Pottery Seminar, an article on Darbyshire Pottery from Western Australia and a report from the Friends of NMAP Inc.
Posted on 30 Nov 2009 by NMAP