Artists statement

Premier Pottery in Preston was opened in 1929 by friends David Dee and Reg Hawkins. They who both had extensive experience in pottery before beginning their small business, set up at 52 Oakover Road in Preston. This location was ideal as a large clay pit was located virtually next to the pottery.

Pottery produced at Premier Pottery Preston is better known as the Remued range. The main characteristic of these pieces are the drip glaze style. Before Premier Pottery produced the Remued range they branded their pieces as PPP or Pamela.

The pottery remained operational throughout World War II as the government had contracted the business to produce acid stoneware jars and white army crockery. Making any decorative pieces was forbidden at the time. In 1946, Premier Pottery was back to the level of production it was at before the war, but strong competition arose from low-cost Japanese imported goods, hindering the success of the business. This trend continued, ultimately forcing the business to close its doors for good in 1956.

Premier Pottery Preston is considered a high point in the history of Australian decorative pottery, and pieces are sought and displayed by leading museums such as the National Gallery of Victoria. There was an exhibition of this pottery held at Bundoora Homestead in 2005.