Collected Works

Collected Works

From the Australian Pottery Collection at Bemboka

27 MARCH – 26 APRIL 2026

Opening Preview: 6-8pm Thursday 26 March 2026

Join us for the exhibition preview with opening remarks by renowned Australian contemporary ceramicist, Moraig McKenna. All welcome!

Collected Works brings together a curated selection of 60 works from the 4,500 works in the Australian Pottery Collection at Bemboka, presented in partnership with collectors and gallerists David Rofe and the late Judith Pearce – figures who have championed, exhibited and sold Australian ceramics since the 1970s. Spanning the 1950s through to 2025, the collection showcases work by many of the nation’s most celebrated and influential potters, highlighting their creativity, technical mastery and enduring impact as artists, teachers and mentors who helped shape the direction of Australian ceramics.

Arranged by decade, the exhibition features pieces available for purchase as well as works drawn from Bemboka’s permanent collection. More than a survey, it is a celebration of the story behind the collection itself: the passion, dedication and deep respect for Australian pottery that David and Judith have poured into this long‑standing, deeply personal project. It also offers an opportunity to honour Judith’s significant contribution to the field through her development of the Australian Potters’ Mark, now an important national resource for identifying and attributing ceramic works across the country.

Featuring works by artists including:

Doug Alexander | Ros Auld | Janet Beckhouse | Les Blakebrough | Greg Daly | Paul Davis | Janet de Boos | John Dermer | Pippin Drysdale | Simone Fraser | Victor Greenaway | Gwynn Hanssen-Pigott | Amy Kennedy | Col Levy | Janet Mansfield | Moraig McKenna | Susie McMeekin | Klytie Pate | Alan Peascod | Peter Rushforth | Owen Rye | Hiroe Swen | Jim and Jean Tyler | Thancoupie | Alan Watt | Kevin White

Gathered Time
A second, smaller exhibition held in the gallery at the same time will be by Canberra Potters ANU EASS graduate, Lisa Stevenson. For more information visit here.

About Australian Pottery at Bemboka

Australian Pottery at Bemboka is a dedicated ceramics gallery showcasing work made in Australia over the past 90 years. Bringing together pieces by a diverse range of makers, the gallery offers a rich and evolving view of the country’s pottery traditions and contemporary practice.

Located at 24 Oliver Street in the village of Bemboka, NSW, the gallery sits within easy reach of the Far South Coast – approximately 2½ hours’ drive from Canberra, 30 minutes from Bega and 45 minutes from Merimbula.

The gallery is open Wednesday to Monday, 10am–5pm, and from 11.30am–5pm on Tuesdays. Find out more here

IMAGE: Exhibition installation view, Collected Works from the Australian Pottery Collection at Bemboka, 2026. Photo by Anne Stroud.

Canberra Potters and Watson Arts Centre acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land where we meet and work, the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people and other First Nations people who are connected with this land. We celebrate and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of the ACT and region. This is Aboriginal land. Always was always will be.