Historical information

The Albury/Wodonga Handweavers and Spinners Guild was formed on 15th July 1970 at a meeting calling for interested people to attend a meeting, Mrs Reis had migrated from England bringing her spinning wheel and floor loom with her. The Guild was formed with 23 inaugural members. Guild members conducted workshops and demonstrated their work at the Albury Show and other venues.
In 1973 a Woolcraft Festival Committee was formed and in 1974 the Guild was affiliated with the National Woolcraft Festival, which was held for many years at the Wool Store (in Albury and later at the Albury Showgrounds.
In 1980 the Guild published “The Woolgatherers Handspun Pattern Book” which was very popular and had several reprints.

The Albury Wodonga Handweavers and Spinners Guild is still an active organisation in the community more than 50 years after its formation.

The Company name Australian Fine China was adopted in 1997. Its products were first produced in 1921 from its factory in Subiaco, Western Australia which opened under the name of Calyx Porcelain and Paint Company.
In 1938 it was re-named H. L. Brisbane and Wunderlich Ltd. One of its key brands was Bristile with earthenware items known as Wembley Ware. Bristile was re-introduced in the 1960s with the manufacture of vitrified white crockery.
In 1997 the name of Australian Fine China was adopted, and the company made china under this name until the closure of the Subiaco factory in 2006.
From this time Australian Fine China has operated its business from its headquarters in Welshpool, Perth in Western Australia, with all the products now being made overseas.

Significance

This item is significant because it represents a long-standing organisation in the Albury Wodonga Community.

Physical description

A white china mug bearing the outline of a spinning wheel, surrounded by black lettering,

Inscriptions & markings

Around the spinning wheel ALBURY - Wodonga Handweavers & Spinners Guild

Under the base - ARIA Porcelain made in Australia by
Australian Fine China
DIshwasher & Microwave Safe