About Us

Geoff Ford OAM, FAIHA, and Kerrie Ford FAIHA, are the Owner Directors of the National Museum of Australian Pottery which they established in 1995 in Wodonga, Victoria. Geoff has spent many years researching, writing, lecturing and Curating travelling exhibitions on nineteenth century Australian pottery. His books include ‘19th Century South Australian Pottery’, ‘Australian Pottery: The First 100 Years’, ‘Encyclopaedia of Australian Potter’s Marks’ volume 1 and 2, ‘Convict Potters of Australia 1821 to 1851’, ‘William Holford’s Art and Design Influence on Australian Pottery’ and ‘Ipswich Potteries 1873 to 1926’.

On Australia Day 2001, Geoff was awarded the ‘Order of Australia Medal’ for his service to the arts, particularly the study of early Australian pottery. In August 2004, Geoff and Kerrie were awarded a Fellowship by ‘The Australian Institute of History and Art’, for their work in preserving and researching early Australian Pottery.

In September 2006 after a move from Wodonga, they opened the new and permanent home of the National Museum of Australian Pottery in Holbrook, NSW.


About The Building
» This heritage building was built in 1910, by the contractor, Amos Crisp, for A.H. Mackie and Company and was built on the Arcade principal of two stories.
» During June 1911, the new General Store opened its doors to the public as Mackie’s Palace Emporium’.
» Around 1920, A. Miller & Co. purchased the premises and reopened it as a General Store.
» In 1933, Arthur Hamilton Mackie purchased the premises and with his son Gordon Charlton, continued to operate it as a General Store trading as ‘A. H. Mackie & Son’.
» In 1946, the ‘Edwards Tea Co.’, purchased the business and employed Alex Lynch to manage the Store, which continued trading as ‘A. H. Mackie & Son’.
» In 1964 Alex Lynch purchased the premises and with his son John, continued to operate it as a General Store trading as ‘A. H. Mackie & Son’.
» In 2002 John and Jody Whitley purchased the premises and continued to operate it as a Grocery Store trading as Holbrook Fresh Food Market.
» On the 20th August 2004, Geoff and Kerrie Ford purchased the empty building. They built a residence and converted the store into the permanent home of the National Museum of Australian Pottery which was officially opened on the 1st October 2006.

Visiting The Museum
The Museum, situated at 76 Albury Street, (Hume Highway) Holbrook NSW, is open 9.30am to 4.30pm Thursday to Tuesday, closed Wednesday. Closed in August. The Directors, Geoff and Kerrie Ford welcome visitors, groups and coaches to the museum and can be contacted by Ph (02) 6036 3464.

Admission Prices
Admission $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.

Bus tours or groups of 20 or more who book ahead will receive a guided tour and homemade morning or afternoon tea for $10 per head.
Public toilets on site.

 

 

One Day or Mystery Tour

We also offer an ideal one day or mystery tour which takes in the three entirely different Museums in Holbrook, along with a fun train ride for $35-00 per head. Available for groups of 20 or more who book ahead.

 

Suggested itinerary.

-          10.00am arrive at the National Museum of Australian Pottery for morning tea, introduction talk and a guided tour (parking the bus in Hay Street beside the Museum).

-          11.30am walk across Hay St. to the Ten Mile Creek Botanic Gardens and board the miniature train for a fun ride around the Gardens.

-          12.00 board the bus to the Woolpack Inn Museum (opposite the Pottery Museum) and have a light lunch (sandwiches, cake/slice, tea/coffee) then tour of the Museum.

-          1.45pm board the bus and travel to the Submarine museum (Northern end of Town).

-          2.00pm guided tour through the Submarine Museum.

-          3.00pm arrive back at the Woolpack Inn Museum for afternoon tea.

-          3.30pm board the bus for home.

 

For bookings or further information please phone (02) 6036 3464. 

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