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

Physical description

Moulded dish, with a floral design on the base. The upper part of the dish has a mottled green and black glaze. The petals on the base are highlighted with a deep pink glaze

Inscriptions & markings

Signature to base: "V. Ayling"