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
Winter Update
IMPORTANT ACQUISITION
This unique Majolica glazed Toby jug was recently gifted to the collection by the late Gwendoline Fowler, great granddaughter of Enoch Fowler (the founder). It stands 18cm tall and is ink stamped ‘R. Fowler Limited Fitzroy Street, Marrickville and is a lovely addition to the collection. We were told that only a few Majolica glazed Toby jugs were made for members of the Fowler Family in the late 1930’s.
Enoch emigrated to Australia in 1837, and set up his own pottery in Sydney, where he began producing salt glazed storage jars and ginger beer bottles. In 1873, Enoch’s son Robert took over the pottery which continued to expand. After Robert’s death, the Fowler family continued running the pottery. In 1914, 17 acres at Marrickville was purchased and over the next six years everything was relocated to the new site. In 1937, the Company celebrated its Centenary. Two of the outstanding features were the magnitude of the Marrickville works, and well over 1000 different articles which 450 employees turned out of 22 kilns. In fact the Company’s range of products was one of the largest of its kind in the world. In 1969 ‘Newbold General Refractories Ltd.’ purchased the ‘Fowler Company’ and the closure of the Marrickville works in 1977, marked the end of 140 years production.
Reference: Geoff Ford, ‘Australian Pottery : The First 100 Years.’ Salt Glaze Press, 1995.
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.
WHY NOT COME AND VISIT THE MUSEUM
The reputation of the Museum is spreading wide and far and now with the weather becoming cooler it is a good time for travelling, 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
NEWSLETTER REMINDER
Potting About in its new electronic format has just been e-mailed direct to subscribers for the third 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
Posted on 31 May 2009 by NMAP