Rick Rudd Collection

Rick Rudd has collected studio ceramics since the late 1970s and the Rick Rudd Collection now consists of over 1,000 works.

More than 300 pieces in the Collection were made by Rick. Currently, many of these are on show, including examples from all styles of his practice from 1968 when he first worked with clay, to the present day.

Works for the Collection have been purchased from exhibitions, direct from makers and from auctions and Trademe. Some have been donated by potters, collectors and from deceased estates. A few have been found in charity or second-hand shops.

From the 400 works which have been made by nationally significant makers, many are permanently displayed. Over 120 of these are shown in the New Zealand Historical Collection and almost 200 are included in the Whanganui and Focus Collections. Additional works are often included in Temporary Exhibitions.

Well known Wellington collector of studio ceramics, Simon Manchester, bequeathed over 2,700 works to the Rick Rudd Foundation in 2019. Within his Collection are comprehensive ‘groupings’ by individual potters of significance. In assessing these groupings, Rick has identified where it would be useful to have additional supporting works, so as pieces have become available and funds allow Rick has added to his own collection so both collections can work in collaboration.