Ceramics & Glass Circle of Australia Inc.
Welcome to the Ceramics and Glass Circle of Australia, an organisation to promote the understanding of ceramics and glass. While we are based in Australia, we have members internationally.
The Ceramics and Glass Circle of Australia was established in 1984 when a group of like-minded individuals convened at Melbourne University with a view to establishing an association through which those interested in ceramics and glass could mix and expand their knowledge and enjoyment of the subjects. On 18 June 1984, 13 foundation members met and established the Circle.
A small and enthusiastic group, they met regularly and numbers gradually increased so that, by October 1985, the Circle had 25 members and a formal constitution and committee. Over the decades, the Circle has continued to expand and now has over 100 members and meets regularly at the Toorak Uniting Church hall.
The Circle focuses on scholarly and quality presentations, but without pretension, maintaining a warm, friendly and welcoming atmosphere. It is always interested in new and contemporary ceramics and glass, the activities of modern creatives, and to support the tastes of those interested in these arts.
Circle members enjoy a regular newsletter, monthly meetings with presentations by members, external and even international speakers, regular social occasions, such as the Spring and Autumn dinners, studio and gallery visits, an annual study weekend and much enthusiastic fellowship.
The Circle has conducted numerous exhibitions, including ‘Parasols & Pagodas: the influence of Chinese and Japanese porcelain on 18th century European ceramics’, ‘Radiant Reflections in Chinese Glass’, ‘The Japanese Aesthetic: three centuries of Japanese porcelain design and Western interpretation’, and the KenDon Exhibition of Australian Ceramics, to name but a few.
The success of the Circle is due to the support of the members who are always willing to bring their precious pieces to meetings and lend them for study weekends and exhibitions.
MEMBERSHIP
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LINKS
Find links on this page to international ceramic and glass groups.
2024 program
April - Ewan Brown, a former long time member of the Circle, will speak on 18th-century Liverpool porcelain, represented by numerous factories, many of which are not well understood. Ewan will share part of his extensive collection, which focuses on the pre 1770 period, and will speak about the history, production, markets and variety of these often underappreciated wares.
May - Our May speaker, Jill Vella, is a collector of lively mid-century pottery, particularly Poole pottery from the United Kingdom (1960s to 70s) and West German pottery (1950s to 70s). Her collection features a wide range of incredibly striking and vivid pieces. Two important series from Poole were the Delphis and Studio ranges; while, in West Germany, over 100 companies and studio potters were busily producing art pottery in a huge variety of colourful, abstract designs. Jill will tell us a little of their history, consider the most influential designers and share her love of these flamboyant pots.
Winter Seminar - The Art of the Table
This year, our Winter Seminar will be held at the Johnston Collection (TJC) and will take us on a journey from the 18th century to down the local pub, from European palaces to Imperial Japan, exploring civilized and social dining, drinking and fellowship. It will incorporate individual presentations, a personalised tour of TJC’s latest installation, lunch, and social drinks at the conclusion.
June - Robert Barron is the owner of Gooseneck Pottery, located in the hills above Korumburra. His individual hand thrown pieces are wood fired in a 14 metre climbing kiln and every piece is unique. They range from mugs and bowls, platters and baking dishes, to large and sculptural planters, tubs and water features. Robert will speak to us about his pottery and the wide range of amazing works that he produces.
40th Anniversary celebrations
To celebrate 40 fabulous years, we are holding a cocktail party at the Lyceum Club. Our guest of honour will be the noted philanthropist Kystyna Campbell-Pretty. As well as speaking to us, Krystyna will launch the Ceramics and Glass Circle of Australia grant in honour of Patricia Begg OAM and Chris Begg and will award the inaugural grant.
July - The winner of the inaugural grant in honour of Patricia Begg OAM and Chris Begg will speak to us about their ceramics practice. The identity of this gifted ceramicist will be revealed at our 40th anniversary party. This ceramic artist is influenced by the natural colours of the Australian landscape and the effects of fire on the ecology; the works involve a range of clay bodies, hand building techniques, slips and terra sigillata, and the use of combustible materials and burnishing to produce pieces of timeless and subtle beauty.
August - Leslie Stephan, an Adelaide based member, will speak to us on the psychology of the collector. He will explore what takes someone on the journey from a child with a small hobby to the adult who amasses a vast collection, with a focus on the collector’s inner psychosocial world. Leslie is a former Clinical Director of Mental Health and a consultant psychiatrist and has a life-long passion for European painting and decorative arts. He is a member of the French Porcelain Society and the Furniture History Society, and is a volunteer guide at the David Roche Museum.
Porcelain jug, Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool, England. Made at Richard Chaffers' factory, Liverpool around 1760. Painted with Frederick II of Prussia, Britain's ally in the Seven Years' War with France. License link here
Meetings are held on the second Monday of each month starting at 7.30 pm