Ceramics & Glass Circle of Australia Inc.
Welcome to the Ceramics and Glass Circle of Australia, an organisation to promote the understanding of ceramics and glass. While we are based in Australia, we have members internationally.
The Ceramics and Glass Circle of Australia was established in 1984 when a group of like-minded individuals convened at Melbourne University with a view to establishing an association through which those interested in ceramics and glass could mix and expand their knowledge and enjoyment of the subjects. On 18 June 1984, 13 foundation members met and established the Circle.
A small and enthusiastic group, they met regularly and numbers gradually increased so that, by October 1985, the Circle had 25 members and a formal constitution and committee. Over the decades, the Circle has continued to expand and now has over 100 members and meets regularly at the Toorak Uniting Church hall.
The Circle focuses on scholarly and quality presentations, but without pretension, maintaining a warm, friendly and welcoming atmosphere. It is always interested in new and contemporary ceramics and glass, the activities of modern creatives, and to support the tastes of those interested in these arts.
Circle members enjoy a regular newsletter, monthly meetings with presentations by members, external and even international speakers, social occasions, studio and gallery visits, an annual study seminar and much enthusiastic fellowship.
The Circle has conducted numerous exhibitions, including ‘Parasols & Pagodas: the influence of Chinese and Japanese porcelain on 18th century European ceramics’, ‘Radiant Reflections in Chinese Glass’, ‘The Japanese Aesthetic: three centuries of Japanese porcelain design and Western interpretation’, and the KenDon Exhibition of Australian Ceramics, to name but a few.
The success of the Circle is due to the support of the members who are always willing to bring their precious pieces to meetings and lend them for study and exhibitions.
Membership
Join the Ceramics and Glass Circle of Australia our association through which those interested in ceramics and glass can mix and expand their knowledge and enjoyment of the subjects
Meetings and Events
This page contains details of our meetings and a list of events that may be of interest to members and followers
Links
This page contains information about local and international associations and groups that may be of interest to members and followers
Gallery
Stunning photos of ceramics and glass

John Whitehead is a dealer, writer and lecturer specialising in French eighteenth century interior decoration and works of art, with an emphasis on Sèvres porcelain.
He is best known for his 1992 book, The French Interior in the Eighteenth Century, which remains one of the most comprehensive publications on the subject. In 2010 John Whitehead was made an officier of the French Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in recognition of his services to the Arts. In 2014 he was elected a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London.
Thursday 9 October, 2025
6-8 pm including drinks and canapés
Melbourne CBD, details provided upon booking
Tickets: $30; $15 students; $15 pensioners (Circle members only)
Please join us for dinner afterwards at an additional cost. Numbers for dinner are limited to 40 people on a first come first serve basis.
2025 program
June
Jade Power, the current winner of the Circle's annual scholarship in honour of Patricia Begg OAM and Chris Begg, will present on the works of her graduate exhibition, Experimental Materiality. Jade uses weight and heat to soften and shape forms, capturing the tension between movement and stillness. Her works are highly individual, large and charismatic, so this should be a most interesting evening.
July
John Van Zyl will introduce us to The History of French Faience. This presentation will feature the faience manufactured at Nevers, Rouen, Moustiers and Desvres, and will involve many examples.

Baron Jean Louis de Beyerlé Niderviller faience, Metropolitan Museum of Art; Wikimedia Commons.
Meetings are held on the second Monday of each month starting at 7.30 pm