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, social occasions, studio and gallery visits, an annual study seminar 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 and exhibitions.
Membership
Join the Ceramics and Glass Circle of Australia our association through which those interested in ceramics and glass can mix and expand their knowledge and enjoyment of the subjects
Meetings and Events
This page contains details of our meetings and a list of events that may be of interest to members and followers
Links
This page contains information about local and international associations and groups that may be of interest to members and followers
Gallery
Stunning photos of ceramics and glass
2025 program
April
Amanda Dunsmore, Senior Curator, International Decorative Arts & Antiquities at the National Gallery of Victoria, will speak at our April meeting on The Begg Collection at the NGV. The collection was bequeathed by Patricia Begg OAM and was recently installed in the 18th century European section. It is a beautiful and thoughtfully presented exhibition.
May
In May John Scare will speak on Lady Elizabeth Berkeley; aristocrat, adventurer, author, and her links to some enigmatic porcelains. Elizabeth Berkeley was known for her travelogues and her scandalous life and John will no doubt have some interesting stories.
Our Winter Seminar, on Saturday 24 May, is again at The Johnston Collection, and the theme is Nature as Muse. Presenters include Jessica Murtagh, a glass artist whose works are held by numerous galleries, Danny McOwan, former Director of the Hamilton Gallery, Andrew Dixon, who has a passion for Georgian and Regency decorative arts, and Louise Voll Box, Director of The Johnston Collection.
Hanley Potteries Museum showing interior views
Meetings are held on the second Monday of each month starting at 7.30 pm