Upcoming meetings and events
June 2025 meeting
Jade Power, the current winner of the Circle's annual scholarship in honour of Patricia Begg OAM and Chris Begg, will present on the works of her graduate exhibition, Experimental Materiality. Jade uses weight and heat to soften and shape forms, capturing the tension between movement and stillness. Her works are highly individual, large and charismatic, so this should be a most interesting evening.
July 2025 meeting
John Van Zyl will introduce us to The History of French Faience. This presentation will feature the faience manufactured at Nevers, Rouen, Moustiers and Desvres, and will involve many examples.
John Whitehead is a dealer, writer and lecturer specialising in French eighteenth century interior decoration and works of art, with an emphasis on Sèvres porcelain.
He is best known for his 1992 book, The French Interior in the Eighteenth Century, which remains one of the most comprehensive publications on the subject. In 2010 John Whitehead was made an officier of the French Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in recognition of his services to the Arts. In 2014 he was elected a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London.
Thursday 9 October, 2025
6-8 pm including drinks and canapés
Melbourne CBD, details provided upon booking
Tickets: $30; $15 students; $15 pensioners (Circle members only)
Please join us for dinner afterwards at an additional cost. Numbers for dinner are limited to 40 people on a first come first serve basis.
Out and about
Wedgwood: Artists and Industry
Perc Tucker Regional Gallery
Corner Denham Street and Flinders Street
Townsville City QLD 4810
Exclusive to Australia in 2025, Wedgwood: Artists and Industry showcases highlights from over 200 years of Wedgwood ceramics and design — straight from the UK’s Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A).
Wedgwood: Artists and Industry will exhibit at Perc Tucker Regional Gallery from 6 April – 24 August 2025.
Bittersweet: Chocolate, Tea, Coffee
At the Hamilton Gallery
107 Brown Street, Hamilton
Uncover the rich and complex histories behind your favourite beverages in Bittersweet, an intriguing exhibition exploring how chocolate, tea, and coffee transformed from exotic commodities to everyday indulgences.
In collaboration with Melbourne University’s Dr. Matthew J. Martin, Bittersweet traces the global journey of these beloved staples, highlighting their cultural significance and the darker histories tied to colonialism, slavery, and environmental impact.
Featuring intricate tea sets, ornate silverware, and unique vessels, this exhibition challenges us to reflect on the beauty and consequences of our daily rituals.
Until 4th May 2025
The Beth Brown and Tom Bruce AM Gift
At the Geelong Gallery
Little Malop Street, Geelong
The Beth Brown and Tom Bruce AM Gift comprises a wide range of ceramics that highlight the history, breadth, and expansive possibilities of modern and contemporary studio pottery. Thoughtfully and skilfully acquired by Beth and Tom over many decades, the gift comprises over 140 works by 70 Australian and international potters and ceramic artists. The collection includes works by many of Australia’s most important practitioners including Stephen Benwell, Gwyn Hanssen Pigott, David Ray, Hiroe Swen and Prue Venables.
There are 60 works by 37 artists included in this first display of The Beth Brown and Tom Bruce AM Gift.
Until 30th November 2025