2025 started with our February meeting, at which I presented on Staffordshire Treasure: visiting the Potteries Museum in Stoke-on-Trent. This museum has a rich history and an even richer collection, encompassing 25 centuries of British pottery, from before the arrival of the Romans right through to contemporary 3D printed wares, with a particular focus on 17th century slipware and the wonderful products of the industrial revolution.

 The scholarship sub-committee assessed the submissions from RMIT ceramics students for the Circle’s annual award in honour of Patricia Begg OAM and Chris Begg and selected the 2025 recipient. Our winner is Jade Power and she will present her stunning work to us in June. 

 We held our Annual General Meeting in March, and looked back on a most successful 40th anniversary year, with the launching of our scholarship, the re-imagining of our Winter Seminar and an excellent birthday party at the Lyceum Club, plus a full program and a very satisfactory financial position.

 Sadly for us Rob Robertson is leaving the committee, but we are fortunate in having Jill Vella join us as our newest committee member. Rob has been a wonderful contributor and crucial to the establishment of the Circle’s scholarship in honour of Patricia and Chris.  I will very much miss working with him. Jill, as you know, looks after our website and is full of enthusiasm and good ideas.

 Chris Begg is proposing to step back from the role of Secretary in future, and Andrew Dixon has kindly taken on the role of Assistant Secretary, to support this transition.  It is remarkable to think that Chris has been our Secretary for well over 30 years, always knowledgeable, reliable, and thoroughly unflappable. We all owe Chris a great debt of gratitude and I for one am deeply appreciative of his support and mentoring.  Fortunately Chris is to continue on the committee and we are very happy about that.

 After our AGM there was a ‘show and tell’, on the theme of ‘All that Glitters is not Gold’ (widely interpreted).  We saw a wonderfully diverse array, including Spanish, Italian and Australian lustre, Art Deco glass, gilded tea wares, French enamel and mysterious Meissen.

 In April Amanda Dunsmore, Senior Curator, International Decorative Arts & Antiquities at the NGV, will present on The Begg Collection at the NGV.  The collection is currently on display at the gallery and the installation is beautiful and very thoughtful. Amanda and Chris have agreed to conduct several walk-throughs, of up to 10 people at a time. Chris can be contacted for details.

 In May the ever witty John Scare will speak on Lady Elizabeth Berkeley; aristocrat, adventurer, author, and her links to some enigmatic porcelains. I understand there may even be a little scandal! Our Winter Seminar, again at the Johnston Collection, will be on Saturday 24 May. The theme is Nature as Muse.  There are only 33 spots, so do get in early.

 Kent and I will be away during April and May and therefore I will not be joining you for some of these events, but I will be back well in time for the Winter Seminar.  

 Genine Wallinga
President, March 2025