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.

The entire collection now numbers approximately 4,500 works and all can be viewed in the Online Collection here.

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