Unique to Aotearoa New Zealand, Quartz, Museum of Studio Ceramics is the only dedicated museum for studio ceramics and the largest and most diverse public ceramic display in this country. The Museum was opened in November 2015 by Rick Rudd, a renowned studio potter, because he was unhappy with the absence of a permanent historical collection on show in major galleries and museums around Aotearoa New Zealand. Quartz was initially established to house his substantial collection. This collection included approximately one hundred works by New Zealand potters (the movers and shakers of their time), from the early 20th century to contemporary makers. Also included, almost two hundred of his own works, from the first piece he made in 1968, and illustrative works from throughout his career to date. Rick also had a small international collection (approx. 50 pieces) which included works by: Lucie Rie, Shoji Hamada, and Janet Mansfield. Since setting up the museum Rick has added many more works to the Collection.
Works from the Museum’s Collection are loaned to other museums and galleries around the country for special exhibitions.
“Quartz, raised to a red heat, quenched in water and ground to a powder is a most valuable material to potters both in clays and in glazes.” Bernard Leach, A Potter’s Book, Faber & Faber 1940
This database illustrates over 4,000 works held by the Rick Rudd Foundation; a charitable trust set up in 2013. It is a unique Aotearoa New Zealand resource and over 1,100 of these works are on exhibition at Quartz, Museum of Studio Ceramics at any time. Works are also loaned to other institutions for short term exhibitions.
From 12 November 2024
April 2025 - July 2025
Helen Bakker and her work Henri is the winner of the Rick Rudd Foundation Emerging Practitioner in Clay Award for 2024.