An important link in the chain of the ramekin story in Melbourne Victoria is that of the Primrose Pottery Shop. It was in business from 1929 through to the mid 1970s. Not to be confused with Primrose, a middle period pattern introduced by Roseville Pottery in 1936, the Primrose Pottery Shop was started at 374 Little Collins Street Melbourne by Edith and Betty Mc Millan in 1929. It is a misnomer to only call it a pottery shop as it also exhibited a range of pottery, ceramics, domestic wares, textile and other artistic works.
It was a centre for artists in Melbourne for a long time. Phyllis Dunn (1915-1999 who helped found the Warrandyte Potters Cottage, once said “The first pottery that I had ever seen was in the Primrose Pottery Shop; it was [Allan] Lowe's, and I would press my nose to the window.” Other people were textile artists John Rodrigues, Michael O'Connell and Ailsa Graham, artist Elizabeth Durack and Stacha Halpern. Stacha was also a potter but moved back to Europe in the early 1960s.
The Primrose Pottery Shop was originally upstairs on the fifth floor above the well-known cafe "The Wattle", at 374 Little Collins Street before moving into the ground floor of a building on the corner of Little Collins and Howie Place, (365-367 Little Collins St) behind what was formerly James McEwan and Sons (McEwans) hardware on Little Collins Street. Edith MacMillan also commissioned items to display for sale in her shop. Some of them were domestic wares the potteries produced for her. She could afford to carry their stock where other stores relied on higher turnover. Being supportive of these crafts people, quality was not a primary concern.
As mentioned above, a number of well-known art potters sold their works through the shop. They also provided an outlet for some of the many struggling post-war European migrant potters. Often it was only Primrose, and surprisingly, the upmarket “Georges” store in Melbourne, that sold their output. Sometimes the larger “Myer” store would also sell them, but usually required a higher volume for their stores. It was a familiar sight to see these couples and their sample cases doing the rounds of the many department stores that then existed throughout the city. That is why it is rare to find any of these makers advertised anywhere.
I Googled Primrose Pottery Shop tonight and found many references to this delightful outlet for handcrafts in Melbourne. I became aware of this arts and crafts outlet whilst working in the city during the 1960's. I am using today my first and I think only purchase an beautifully crafted floral bowl which takes pride of price on my Louix XIV sideboard. Originally I thought it was run by the Country Women's Association but was delighted to read its history as an outlet for artisans as early as the 1930's.
ReplyDeleteChristina Callinan
Doncaster East, Victoria 3109
I am very pleased to learn more of this shop. In the early 50's I worked in the wonderful Cheshires Bookshop which was in Little Collins Street not far from Primrose Pottery so I wandered in there often. It had a great collection of interesting Australian home wares. Among things I bought were some serviettes by John Rodriques ? so I will need to research further to learn about him.
ReplyDeleteI was privileged to work for a year in this delightful shop in 1966. I was taking a gap year before my art course. We sold wonderful Australian pottery; including Boyd and Percival. Lovely memories.
ReplyDeleteEdith Mc Millan's sister Eva Lilias Bertha Mc Millan was married to my first cousin once removed George Stanley Garrett. His claim to fame [google it], was that he shot down the Red Baron. I am delighted to find his wife and sister in law ran such a creative venture, as an ex art and craft teacher I am particularly chuffed. Diane Garret
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