The Old Ballarat Pottery, located opposite Sovereign Hill, was founded by John Gilbert as part of the Old Ballarat Village. In 1972, Gilbert founded the Edinburgh Pottery on Sovereign Hill to allow visitors to view traditional industries in action. The Old Ballarat Pottery was a much larger operation, making products for department stores, Faberware, and the village, as well as for sale through department stores and on a party plan. With unpolished bases, crude markings, and dark treacle-like glazes, early works appeared to have been produced in the 1850s. After graduating from the Ballarat College of Advanced Education, one of Gilbert's students, Peter Pilven, worked there, teaching throwing to students such potter John Ferguson, who was there from 1978 to 1979. Gilbert's company, Pontresina Pty Ltd, which was founded in 1973, was the first to hire potters. (From 1984 to 1994, the Old Ballarat Pottery was incorporated.) On either side of a mining tower, an impressed long-tailed 'B' or a 'OB' are used to identify early works. A mine tower is also depicted on a printed stamp, which is encircled by the inscription 'Old Ballarat Pottery Made in Australia.' 'Stoneware Old Ballarat Pottery Australia' is impressed on later work, along with a kangaroo. Vintage Teapot comes in Excellent Original Condition with Makers Decal.
Dimensions: 220 x 125 x 190H mm
Please contact Anthony on 0412495436
Or Email at wakimantiques@hotmail.com
10 Nicholson St, Coburg VIC 3058
Trading Hours: 10AM-6PM (Mon-Sun)