Historical information

Viola Annie Ayling (1911-1990), was born in Korumburra. After her marriage to William John Ayling in 1932 she moved with her husband to Tennyson Street [Kew]. A professional tailoress, Viola Ayling was also a talented amateur potter. She created her ceramics at her home at 128 Pakington Street [Kew], where she had an internal studio and a handmade, wood-fired brick kiln in her backyard. This pot is part of a collection of 15 glazed ceramic functional and decorative items donated by her granddaughter to the collection in 2024.

Significance

A pair of handmade bookends, expertly potted and glazed. The style is representative of Australian ceramic design of the period, particularly that employed by Klytie Peyte.

Physical description

Pair of handmade ceramic bookends fully covered in a white, black and predominantly blue glaze.

Inscriptions & markings

Signature to bases: "V. Ayling"