Hello everyone, I hope you all had a lovely Easter.

Our meetings for the year started in excellent fashion with the presentation by Danny McOwan on 20th century Dutch glass. Kent and I were away, so I couldn’t be there, but I understand that the talk was delivered with Danny’s usual urbanity and authority and I know that the pieces were lovely as I’ve been lucky enough to see them.

In March we had our AGM and farewelled Ray Kendall as Vice President as he retired from the committee after many years of very-much- appreciated service. The committee was otherwise re-elected and I am delighted to advise that we have been able to fill the vacancy and that Elizabeth Golding is our newest committee member.

‘Something unexpected’ was the theme for the accompanying ‘show and tell’ and it certainly produced some surprises, pieces that were not what they seemed (both good and bad), pieces wholly uncharacteristic of the presenters’ collections, and pieces with family and other important meaning. The industrious John Scare has provided interesting further detail in our newsletter.

 Other activities in 2024 have included the pre-sale private showing of the Robert Burke Collection of incredible 18th century porcelain, our annual Trustees’ meeting and the updating of our website with beautiful images of members’ pieces.

 We have also determined the winner of the first grant in honour of Patricia Begg OAM and Chris Begg. The program will be launched by noted philanthropist Krystyna Campbell-Pretty AM and the first grant awarded at our anniversary celebration on 27 June at the Lyceum Club.  The flyer for this event will come to you separately, but please put the date in your diary now.

 Our April meeting will feature Ewan Brown, a former long time member of the Circle, who will speak on 18th-century Liverpool porcelain, particularly that of the pre-1770 period, and on the history, production, markets and variety of these often underappreciated wares.

 And in May, we have two exciting events. 

 First, our monthly meeting, where the speaker will be Jill Vella, who will share with us her charismatic collection of mid century English and West German pottery. If you like colour, this is the event for you.

 And secondly, our Winter Seminar, on the well loved theme, ‘The Art of The Table’ (but with a twist!) This year, it will be a one day event, hosted at The Johnston Collection, on Saturday 25 May.  The flyer is enclosed.  We can only accommodate 33 people, so get you applications in early.

 Cheers

 Genine Wallinga
President, March 2024