On 17th June 1976 a meeting of interested people was held to discuss the formation of an independent pottery group in Nelson. The decision was made to incorporate a Society under the name of Nelson Community Potters inc. The first objective of the group was “To promote and maintain interest in the art of pottery in the Nelson/Tasman area.”

 

The society was supported by Community Education Service of Nelson Polytechnic which provided the first premise. After several moves, the present premises at 136 Rutherford was purchased with the aid of donations, grants and a lot of volunteer fundraising. Since then, these premises have been continually improved. The latest alteration was the addition of a new kiln shed to house a kiln purchased with funds from The Community Trust Board. The group is lucky to have such a central location.

 

The second objective was to assist, teach and encourage members and prospective members in the art of pottery. In keeping with this, classes and workshops have been held regularly for the public.

 

Over the years many of those responsible for the fame of Nelson as a centre for potters have given lectures or held classes for N.P.C. These include Harry Davies, Mirek Smesjik and jack Laird.

 

Members have had works displayed at the Suter and other galleries around New Zealand. Several members of the club have progressed to go on and set up their own studios.

 

As part of the community, the pottery has been involved with Nelson events such as Tuku 23 during Heritage month. In 2019 the club members made 500 ceramic poppies for the RSA to be put on the graves of returned servicemen.

 

The workshop is equipped with wheels, three kilns (including the new Community Trust 2023 one,) two bespoke, large wooden tables, tools and other essential items. The workshop is heated in winter with a wood burning stove.

 

The three kilns are fired frequently so members and classes can have their work fired regularly.

 

Membership of the pottery stands at 100% and over the years more than 600 people have been members at one time or another.

 

The group is run by a volunteer committee but heavily relies, as it has always done, on members and other volunteers for getting things done in the spirit of community.