At first glace you wouldn’t think Cottesloe’s pretty but unassuming Burt Street was a centre for some of the state’s most gifted artists.
Think again. The Burt Street Gallery has been the creative epicentre for some of WA’s finest pottery for seven decades, and the standard only seems to get better with each passing year.
In fact, it’s not a stretch to say that the Perth Studio Potters are behind some world-class work over at the BSG.
Throughout September the gallery is staging its annual Spring Exhibition, and there is of variety of delightful pieces on display for pottery fans.
Hand-crafted vases, pots, bowls, jugs, teapots, jewellery, sculptures and quirky decorations are all up for grabs.
The Starfish popped down to the opening the other day and was impressed at the fine array of functional and sculptural ceramics on sale.
Perth Studio Potters was formed by a bunch of friends with a shared interest in pottery in 1957.
At first they used artist Owen Garde’s boatshed on the Swan River foreshore for meetings, before deciding to pool funds and buy a small house in Cottesloe at 1 Burt Street to convert into a studio-gallery.
Back in 1963, that only meant having to come up with about £1250. It’s been thriving hive of pottery activity ever since.
Over the years, the house has been renovated to include a spacious kiln shed and a well-equipped studio. The group’s members meet regularly to create, but also enjoy passing on their wisdom to other artists.
As well as selling their wares, the potters provide regular classes for students and beginners. They also host workshops featuring potters from interstate and around the globe.
But surprisingly, many we’ve spoken to haven’t even heard about this marvellous place. Time to change that!
The spring exhibition runs until October 1 at the Burt Street Gallery and will be open each Friday and Saturday from 10am – 4pm.
The potters look forward to seeing you!
Burt Street Pottery is located at 1 Burt Street, Cottesloe, WA.
For more info visit www.perthstudiopotters.org.au
