Our gallery program features regular curated survey and thematic exhibitions, including the works of established and emerging contemporary Australian artists and a series of dynamic public programs for children and adults. The gallery program also includes hire exhibitions by local artists, schools and community groups.
Gallery exhibitions and public programs
Stories in clay: Arthur Merric Boyd Pottery
Exhibition 2 November–15 December
This exhibition celebrates the creative achievements of Arthur Merric Boyd (AMB) pottery one of Australia’s most innovative, significant and vibrant post-war potteries. Established in 1944 by artists Arthur Boyd and John Perceval together with philosopher and artist Peter Herbst, the pottery was located at 500 (now 502) Neerim Road, Murrumbeena until it closed in the early 1960s. Commencing with the manufacture of functional domestic ware to meet post-war demands, the focus of the studio changed by the late 1940s with the production of more colourful, experimental and vibrant one-off earthenware pieces. Coffee and tea sets, bowls, carafes, plates, jugs, Decanter sets, vases and tiles applied to coffee tables, often decorated with angels, beasts, portraits, and Australian flora and fauna motifs emerged out of this collaborative, exuberant and creative environment.
Works by major Australian artists Arthur Boyd, John Perceval, Neil Douglas, Yvonne Boyd and associated potters are on loan from the National Gallery of Victoria, Heide Museum of Modern Art, Shepparton Art Museum — SAM, Monash University Museum of Art and many private collections. A selection of earthenware tiles and ceramic sculptures by Arthur Boyd, John Perceval’s expressive ceramic angel sculptures conceived at AMB Pottery, bowls and other related works are included in this exhibition.
Curator: Diane Soumilas
Stories in clay: Arthur Merric Boyd Pottery — public programs
Free admission. Bookings essential and open from 1 October. Book online or contact us on 9524 3333
Diane Soumilas — Curator
Wednesday 6 November at midday
Gallery Curator Diane Soumilas will present an engaging talk about the exhibition and offer an insight into the creative achievements of the Arthur Merric Boyd (AMB) Pottery, Murrumbeena.
Diane Soumilas floor talk — book online
Polly Boyd, Sally Boyd and Celia Perceval— Artists
Friday 8 November at midday
Join artists Polly Boyd (daughter of Arthur Boyd and Yvonne Boyd), Sally Boyd (daughter of Guy Boyd) and Celia Perceval (daughter of John Perceval and Mary Boyd) for a walk through the exhibition and a unique insight into the stories and history of the Arthur Merric Boyd (AMB) Pottery and the artists who worked there.
Polly Boyd, Sally Boyd and Celia Perceval Artist floor talk — book online
Kendrah Morgan — Senior Curator
Friday 15 November at midday
Join Heide Museum of Modern Art Senior Curator Kendrah Morgan for an engaging overview of the Arthur Merric Boyd (AMB) Pottery, Murrumbeena and the works in the collection of Heide Museum of Modern Art.
Kendrah Morgan floor talk — book online
Colin Smith — historian and author
Wednesday 13 November at 1pm
Glen Eira Town Hall — Theatrette
Corner Glen Eira and Hawthorn Roads, Caulfield
Local historian and author Colin Smith will provide a fascinating insight into the history of the Arthur Merric Boyd (AMB) Pottery and the life and career of artist Jean Langley who worked at the AMB Pottery.
Colin Smith, historian and author — book online
The Murrumbeena Boyds — a walking tour
Saturday 16 November, 10am–12pm
Springthorpe Gardens — meet at corner Neerim Road and Tuckett Street, Murrumbeena
Join local historian and author Colin Smith on a walking tour of Murrumbeena for an engaging insight into the history of Arthur Merric Boyd (AMB) Pottery in Neerim Road, the talented Boyd family, their creative achievements, and how they influenced Murrumbeena.
The Murrumbeena Boyds: a walking tour — book online
Children’s interactive clay workshops
Create miniature tea sets and hand designed plates
Saturday 9 November 2–4pm
Saturday 16 November 2–4pm
Glen Eira City Council Gallery — Annexe
Corner Glen Eira and Hawthorn Roads, Caulfield
Come and create your own miniature tea set and plates with facilitator local artist Fiona Wood inspired by the Arthur Merric Boyd (AMB) Pottery exhibition. Children will use air dry clay to sculpt their very own miniature tea set on a plastic tray. Drawing inspiration from the pottery by Arthur Boyd, John Perceval, Neil Douglas and other artists, the children will then decorate their own ceramic plate to take home. A fantastic opportunity for children to create both 2D and 3D artworks and really explore their creative side.
For children aged six to 12
Tickets: $5 per child
Bookings are essential and open from 1 October 2019
Create miniature tea sets and hand designed plates — book online
©Arthur Boyd’s work reproduced with the permission of Bundanon Trust
©Arthur Boyd’s work reproduced with the permission of Bundanon Trust
