Upcoming meetings and events
April 2025 meeting
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 2025 meeting
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.
Winter Seminar Saturday 24 May
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.
40th Anniversary celebrations
To celebrate 40 fabulous years, we held a cocktail party at the Lyceum Club. Our guest of honour was the noted philanthropist Krystyna Campbell-Pretty AM. As well as speaking to us, Krystyna launched the Ceramics and Glass Circle of Australia grant in honour of Patricia Begg OAM. Chris Begg awarded the inaugural grant.
Amanda Dunsmore and Krystyna Campbell-Pretty AM
Circle Secretary, Chris Begg and the inaugural scholarship winner, Victoria Lynagh
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