Manly Art Gallery & Museum (MAG&M) has curated from its extensive ceramics collection, 100 diverse works in a special exhibition, Clay Collection. 

Mayor Michael Regan said MAG&M’s collection of ceramics was unique among NSW regional galleries as a result of the generosity of donors and bequests.

“We are very grateful for all the support we have received over the years from the MAG&M Society (1986-2020), the Theo Batten Bequest (2004-16), the Roger Pietri Bequest (2015), private donors as well as Council.”

MAG&M Director Michael Hedger said MAGAM’s collection of ceramics reflects the diversity of contemporary ceramics practice in Australia.

“The collection now represents the work of some 160 artists, revealing the nuances and shifts in studio ceramics over a 60 year period.

“The focus of this special display is on presenting the diverse range of vessels, functional work and sculptural pieces generously donated over the years.

“On display, we have a recent acquisition by Northern Beaches alumni and nationally renowned ceramicist Juz Kitson. Her wall-mounted work Temporal Fluidity No 6 was donated by MAG&M Society in celebration of the gallery’s 90th anniversary in 2020.

“Among MAG&M’s growing collection of indigenous ceramics is the painted and lidded vessel by Hermannsburg potter Rahel Ungwanaka, Night Owl. The display also includes the collaborative piece Tilt by ceramicist Neville French and painter Belinda Fox, exemplifying the impulse for artists to experiment across disciplines.

“Two key works have been inspired by Manly’s North Head; The Sanctuary by Cathy Franzi which featured in MAG&M’s 2014 exhibition The Course of Objects, presented in partnership with The Australian Ceramics Association, and Weeping Container by Julie Bartholomew, created as part of MAG&M’s 2015 Out of Quarantine exhibition in partnership with Q Station, Manly.”

View a selection of the ceramics collection on Council’s website

The exhibition will be held 23 October 2020 to 1 July 2021.

Media Enquiries: media@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au 9942 2678