Mud, Sweat, and Cheers: Celebrating Handcrafted Pottery

 From Tauranga City Library’s archives

A monthly blog about interesting items in our collection

Do you have vintage pottery from the 60s or 70s? It's time to appreciate these pieces as part of the ground-breaking Studio Pottery Movement. This artistic movement emphasized handmade ceramics, individual creativity, and unique pieces, rebelling against the mass-produced industrial pottery of the time. The Tauranga Library pottery collection, Ams 341, showcases this era through five fascinating sets of works, beautifully photographed by Michal Pinkerton.

The smallest of three bowls in Ams 341/1

Crewenna Pottery by Harry Davis: Harry and May Davis established Crewenna Pottery in 1962, inspired by Bernard Leach's simple, functional work and their experiences in British and South African pottery scenes. Their work, such as the cup, saucer, and side plate in the collection, focuses on craftsmanship and simplicity.

Cup, saucer and side plate, by Harry Davis of Crewenna Pottery.

Graeme Storm's Vibrant Vases: Known for his bold colours, Graeme Storm was influenced by the bright hues of the Arabia factory in Helsinki. After becoming a professional potter in 1964, his work gained local and international acclaim, displayed at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the Dowse Art Museum.

Large, mostly green coloured, clay vase.

Len Castle's Unique Clay Vessels: Len Castle, a former science teacher, was a prominent figure in the New Zealand pottery scene. His 1970s work, characterized by experiments with form, texture, and geological themes, exemplifies his contribution to the Studio Pottery Movement.

Small, multi-tube standing clay vessel/ornament

Mystery Artists' Terracotta Boy and Pepper Shaker: A sitting terracotta boy from the 1970s or 80s and a pepper shaker add an intriguing touch of mystery to the collection (creators unknown) and the second terracotta boy (the pair were bookends) appears to have run away from home. 

The unwanted one

John Roy's Modern Pottery: John Roy, known for his contemporary style and bright colours, demonstrates the continued evolution of New Zealand's Studio Pottery Movement beyond the 1970s with his work from around 1990.

Colourful clay cylindrical vase.

In summary, the Tauranga Library pottery collection, Ams 341, offers a fascinating insight into the unique techniques and influences shaping New Zealand's pottery scene during the Studio Pottery Movement. The collection not only celebrates the artistry and development of pottery but also brings it to life through stunning photography.

Explore more about New Zealand pottery through the library's impressive book selection: http://bit.ly/NZPotteryBooks

By Tauranga City Libraries Heritage and Research Team : Harley Couper

Sources: 

• Ams 341, Pottery Collection formerly in old Tauranga Library:  https://paekoroki.tauranga.govt.nz/nodes/view/57227 
• A guide to British studio ceramics and pottery,  https://www.homesandantiques.com/antiques/display-ideas/how-to-decorate-with-studio-pottery/
• Davis, Harry & May (Canterbury Museum): https://collection.canterburymuseum.com/persons/19088/davis-harry-may 
• Blumhardt, D., & Brake, B. (1976). New Zealand potters: Their work and words. A. H. & A. W. Reed.
• Touched by Fire – The Private Landscapes of Len Castle: https://www.nzgeo.com/stories/touched-by-fire-the-private-landscapes-of-len-castle/ 

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This archival collection has been digitised and is available to view on Pae Korokī. For more information about this and other items in our collection, visit Pae Korokī or email the Heritage & Research Team: Research@tauranga.govt.nz