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Melrose Art Pottery: Australian Wildlife At The Latrobe Regional GalleryA special exhibition of Australian pottery is currently on show at the Latrobe Regional Gallery. By Latrobe City - 30th March 2012 - Back to News A special exhibition of Australian pottery is currently on show at the Latrobe Regional Gallery.
Latrobe City Council’s arts director, Julie Adams, said that Melrose Art Pottery provided a fascinating insight into the social history of the Depression years of 1930s Melbourne.
"The Hoffman Brick, Tile and Pottery Company produced the Melrose range to remain economically viable in those turbulent times. Established in 1862, and located in Brunswick, the company was the largest business of its type in the southern hemisphere.
"Art pottery was a somewhat surprising choice of product for the company. All manner of vessels such as vases, jugs and bowls were adorned with Australian gum leaves, gum nuts and native animals using images from a newly found Australian identity that allowed Hoffman’s not only to continue operating but, just as importantly, to retain key personnel until more prosperous times emerged," Ms Adams said.
"Although the styling was largely inspired by the worldwide modernist movement and the prevailing tastes reflected in Australian Arts and Crafts Societies, it is interesting to note the direct connection to this region, as much of the clay that was used to make these objects came from Narracan, here in Gippsland.
"I’m sure that there are many households in the Latrobe Valley that have some Melrose Art Pottery pieces on a shelf or in a cupboard somewhere. It is very interesting to see such a broad range of these objects together with the accompanying advertisements from the period and photographs of the people who made them," Ms Adams said.
"Why not come along and take a look at this wonderful exhibition. Without doubt, it provides an informative overview of the historical, technical and artistic achievements of the Melrose range and its contribution to Australian commercial pottery," Ms Adams concluded.
The Melrose Art Pottery exhibition was developed by Bundoora Homestead Art Centre and was curated by ceramics expert, Greg Hill. The exhibition continues until Wednesday 11 April.
Media Enquiries:
Media Relations Team
Telephone: 5128 5458 or 0409 797 498
Jacinta Kennedy, Manager Community Relations
Telephone: 5128 5421 or 0401 824 195
For general enquiries, contact Latrobe City Council on 1300 367 700.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com

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