About KenDon Museum
The KenDon Museum was formed from the private collection of Kenneth Lawrence and Don Evans who began collecting studio ceramics in the 1970s. The collection focus is on Australian studio potters from the post World War II period.
Among the artists represented are Jeff Mincham, Peter Rushforth, Milton Moon, Les Blakebrough, John Dermer, Gwyn Hanssen-Pigott, Victor Greenaway, Harold Hughan, Alan Peascod, Pippin Drysdale, Col Levy, Owen Rye, Janet Mansfield, Bill Samuels, Kevin Boyd, Chris Myers, Greg Daly, Andrew Halford, Ted Secombe, Harold Hughan, Chester Nealie, Heja Chong, Kiyoshi Ino, Shigeo Shiga, Reg Preston, Phil Dunn and Kirk Winter.
Mission Statement by Ken Lawrence
We found it difficult to find pots to view and handle in public galleries, where pots are few and far between and displayed as single items of a potter’s work, not as collections produced over a period of time.
We thought a comprehensive collection showing the growth of some of the foremost, as well as, less considered potters, should be available somewhere. This collection documents the work of Australian potters, working in Australia, since the 1950s. Our private collection provides a comprehensive resource and cultural educational tool that is lacking in public collections. All items in our collection should be available for handling on request.
It is very unusual in public galleries to find more than one item of a particular potters work either displayed or in their vault. Many foremost potters have had access to our collection. This viewing and handling has greatly influenced their future pots.
I doubt if a comparable collection could be assembled now or in the future. The assembling of our collection showing the growth of individual potters over many years has been our major interest for more than twenty years. The concept of creating a Museum and Trust is in continuance with the above.
As featured in
Civilian Passions – The Collection of Ken Lawrence and Don Evans
Article by Martin Beaver First printed in 'Ceramics: Art and Perception No. 26 1996' Republished with permission - www.mansfieldceramics.com Being a maker of clay objects which are usually woodfired, it is sometimes easier to find genuine enthusiasm for one’s work...