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Important Notice
If you’re travelling some distance to visit the museum please contact us to ensure we are open on 02 6036 3464 or email
Introduction
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 1,500 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.
The Collection represents in many ways the struggle, courage and determination of many of our early potters who, often under difficult circumstances, produced basic and decorative domestic pottery, frequently with spectacular results.
Visitors have a unique opportunity to further their knowledge and appreciation of our early Australian pottery heritage.
So come and spend some quality time at Holbrook in the National Museum of Australian Pottery with Geoff and Kerrie Ford.
To take a short tour through the Museum click on this link
http://www.abc.net.au/tv/collectors/segments/s3064857.htm
Visiting the Museum
Situated at 76 Albury Street, (Main street) Holbrook NSW, it is open 9.30am to 4.30pm Thursday to Tuesday, closed Wednesday. Closed in August.
Admission Prices
Adults $5 per head, Children under 16 years of age $4 per head.
Family Passes (2 Adults, 2 Children) $15.
Delicious homemade Devonshire Tea $10 per head, includes admission.
We can cater for large and small groups who book ahead, with homemade morning tea, afternoon tea or supper, along with an introduction talk and a guided tour for $10 per head.
We also have a small number of selected Australian pottery pieces for sale.
Public toilets on site.
The Directors, Geoff and Kerrie Ford welcome visitors, groups and coaches to the museum and can be contacted by Ph (02) 6036 3464.
We look forward to seeing you soon at the Museum.
Short Term Exhibitions
Current Exhibition
Studio Ceramics 1954 - 1957
1st September 2013 until the 23rd February 2014
Future Exhibitions
Watch this space
Past Exhibitions
Rediscovering Jonathan Leak
To listen to an ABC radio interview click on this link
www.abc.net.au/local/photos/2011/07/07/3263544.htm
Artware to Utility - the story of Modern Ceramic Products
To listen to an ABC radio interview click on this link
http://www.abc.net.au/local/photos/2012/03/28/3465442.htm
The MCP book is still available at the Museum for $75 plus $10 p&p
Melrose Art Pottery 1931 – 1942
To listen to an ABC radio interview click on this link
http://www.abc.net.au/local/photos/2012/11/05/3626058.htm
A Unique Piece from the Collection
This 34cm high Majolica glazed earthenware Urn, known as the 'Tulip Vase' in the 1895 Lithgow Pottery catalogue, was recently purchased on E-Bay in mint condition.
It is decorated with tulips, fern leaves and impressed 'LITHGOW' upside down on the base.
Friends of NMAP Inc.
The Friends of NMAP Inc. get together at the Museum four times a year. The meetings are well attended by members from far and wide who enjoy themselves and take away a greater knowledge of collecting Australian pottery.
Our theme at the February Meeting was "your most unusual piece", which was won by this delighful fragile item.
This Dresden Ware basket decorated with Parian ware flowers, stands 7.50cm high and was made c.1882 at the Bendigo Pottery.
If you would like to become a member you can find further information and a membership form in the ‘NMAP FRIENDS’ section.
Potting About. Don't miss out subscribe now.
Potting About is e-mailed direct to subscribers twice a year. Edition No.29 December 2013, includes articles and information on the following topics:
Studio Ceramics Short Term Exhibition
Current Research
William and William Henry Genn Brisbane part 1
St Leonards Pottery Works
Glayds Reynell and her pottery
Sold on e-bay and around the auction
If you would like to receive POTTING ABOUT please fill in the form in the ‘Subscribe to Newsletter’ section.
Two Sample Pages