The Museum has a long history of collecting Australian ceramics, and in particular has a comprehensive collection of ceramics from various Australian artware markers of the early to mid 1900s. This collection continues to develop, and allows for the study of technology transfer in the decorative arts, the adaptation of an imported tradition to local materials and markets, and the development of distinctly Australian imagery, styles and products. The decline of the Australian commercial ceramics industry under the combined impact of competition from imports in the marketplace, the 1949 introduction of a 66.6% sales tax on artwares, and the incursion of plastics and pressed metal into product areas once dominated by ceramics, is also an important case study in production and marketing. Included in this comprehensive collection is a range of ceramics produced by the McHugh Bros. Such material documents the tradition of wares featuring distinctively Australian imagery, along with the experimentation of colours, glazes and designs within commercial Australian potteries.

REF:
Australian decorative potteries of the 1930s, http://www.auspottery.com/mcHugh_history.htm
Bilney, Elizabeth (ed), 'Decorative Arts and Design from the Powerhouse Museum', Powerhouse Publishing, 1991
Graham, Marjorie, 'Australian Pottery of the 19th & early 20th Century, David Ell Press, Sydney, 1979
Hammond, Victoria (ed), 'Australian Ceramics', Sheparton Art Gallery, 1987

The vase was made by McHugh Bros Pty Ltd in Launceston Tasmania in 1934.

John McHugh (c1830-1892) established a pottery in Launceston in 1873. On his death, the business was carried on by his sons, Hugh and James, in partnership with James Jackson.

The pottery produced a range of domestic and agricultural wares, however reached its greatest success during the 1930s with its range of ornamental artwares. These wares featured experimentation in glaze, design and colour.

The McHugh pottery produced domestic wares until 1945, and continued as pipe makers until the 1960s, when PVC replaced earthenware pipe.

REF:
Australian decorative potteries of the 1930s, http://www.auspottery.com/mcHugh_history.htm
Bilney, Elizabeth (ed), 'Decorative Arts and Design from the Powerhouse Museum', Powerhouse Publishing, 1991
Graham, Marjorie, 'Australian Pottery of the 19th & early 20th Century, David Ell Press, Sydney, 1979
Hammond, Victoria (ed), 'Australian Ceramics', Sheparton Art Gallery, 1987

Vase, earthenware, made by McHugh Bros Pty Ltd, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia, 1934.

An shaped earthenware vase that tapers towards the base and has a round opening in the top. The vase has been glazed in streaks of yellow and brown.

Made: McHugh Bros Pty Ltd; Tasmania; 1934

Incised into the base of the vase in cursive text 'H McHugh / 1934 / Tasmania / 10'.

92/782

1934

172 mm

140 mm