A diverse collection of inspiring, eccentric and beautiful pottery from the 1960s to now stars in the new exhibition Form & Fire at Canterbury Museum at CoCA.
This celebration of Canterbury pottery features more than 160 artworks from the Museum’s collection and is only running for a limited time of 2 months. The show includes an electric blue mushroom cloud from the 1990s, masterworks from the 1960s, and pieces by famed Kiwi artists like Doris Holland, who painted under the name Doris Lusk.
Highlights include works by international grand masters like Bernard Leach from the United Kingdom and Shōji Hamada of Japan, along with beautiful pieces by New Zealand artists like Margaret Ryley, Yvonne Rust, Wyn Reed and David Brokenshire, many of which have not been on public display for decades.
Form & Fire is a panoramic overview of Canterbury pottery revealing changing trends and the emergence of a unique New Zealand style. Experience the textured craft work of the 1960s, the eccentric wonders of the 1970s, the stark minimalism of the 1980s and the colourful exuberance of the 1990s. Get inspired by this unique collection of pottery and learn about an art form that is surging in popularity once again.
The exhibition is the legacy of a long relationship between Canterbury Museum and the Canterbury Potters Association (CPA). The Museum has hosted the group’s annual shows since 1991 and has acquired work from Canterbury potters since the 1960s.
Later in the exhibition, the Canterbury Potters Association will hold its annual sale show of artworks by its members. The CPA show, with all the works on sale, will be held inside the exhibition from 6 to 24 November. Buy a beautiful piece of pottery to take home.
Exhibition runs from 20 September to 24 November, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Free entry; donations appreciated.