POWERHOUSE COLLECTION

A Pates Potteries slip-cast vase.

Object No. 92/961

Alfred Pate learnt to throw pottery in 1933 while working in the Bristolware Department at the Fowler pottery company. Pate began experimenting with the production of pottery from his garage in Campsie, and sold his wares throughout the neighbourhood. Increased demand encouraged Pate to expand and formally establish his business and in 1946 Pates Potteries Pty Ltd was formally registered, operating from a factory in Belmore. Capitalising on a post-war market with an increased demand for decorative pottery, Pates sold mass-produced slipware that was bright and playful, often featuring national and international flora and fauna. The process of slip casting involved pouring a liquid solution of clay, called 'slip', into a plaster mould that absorbs the water, leaving a layer of clay adhering to the mould's surface. The clay would shrink, allowing the mould to be removed and leaving the piece ready to be dried and fired. The moulds were frequently made of Plaster of Paris, as they were highly absorbent and cheap to make, and would be held together with ball and socket projections and rubber bands made from old car tyres. So long as the detail in the moulds was maintained, the moulds were able to be cleaned and dried for reuse. A specially formulated glaze was then applied to the artware either by hand sponging, dipping by hand, or by using a hand-held spray gun. The Museum's collection of Pates moulds and artware allows for an examination of the slip casting production method, and in addition gives insight into the operations of one of Australia's major post-war commercial potteries. The Museum has a long history of collecting Australian ceramics and has developed a comprehensive collection of ceramics from various Australian artware makers of the early to mid 1900s, thus documenting a major Australian craft industry. This collection allows for an examination of the processes of technology transfer in the decorative arts, the adaptation of imported traditions and practices to local materials and markets, and the development of distinctly Australian imagery, styles and products. The decline of the Australian commercial ceramics industry under the combined impact of competition from imports in the marketplace, the 66.6% sales tax placed on artwares (1949), and the incursion of plastics and pressed metal into product areas once dominated by ceramics, is also an important case study in production and marketing. REF: Bilney, Elizabeth (ed), 'Decorative Arts and Design from the Powerhouse Museum', Powerhouse Publishing, 1991 Davenport, John, 'Pates Post-War Australian Pottery', Crown Castleton Publishers, Bendigo, 1998 Graham, Marjorie, 'Australian Pottery of the 19th & early 20th Century, David Ell Press, Sydney, 1979 Hammond, Victoria (ed), 'Australian Ceramics', Sheparton Art Gallery, 1987

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Summary

Object Statement

Vase, earthenware, made by Pates Potteries Pty Ltd, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 1946-1960

Physical Description

Vase, earthenware, made by Pates Potteries Pty Ltd, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 1946-1960 An earthenware, slip-cast vase which has a low elongated form. Either side of the vase features a flying bird in low relief surrounded by styled foliage The exterior of the vase is glazed with a poly chrome lustre glaze with gold highlights. The interior of the vase features a pale yellow lustre glaze.

DIMENSIONS

Height

73 mm

Width

250 mm

Depth

130 mm

PRODUCTION

Notes

The vase was designed and made by Pates Pottery Pty Ltd in Belmore New South Wales between 1946 and 1960.

HISTORY

Notes

Alf Pate learnt to throw pottery at the Fowler Company in 1933, and began making and selling his own wares from his garage in Campsie. The popularity of his wares led Alf, assisted by his brother John and nephew Ron, to formally established Pates Potteries in 1946. The factory was constructed from Ex-Army Huts in Lakemba and operated until 1990. At its height in the 1950s Pates employed up to 95 staff.

SOURCE

Credit Line

Gift of David Chamberlain under the Tax Incentives for the Arts Scheme, 1992

Acquisition Date

30 June 1992

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