Discover beautiful Nelson , Tasman and Golden Bay whilst visiting your favourite Potters in their working studios. Talk to the Potters and discover what inspires them to be part of the Nelson Pottery scene.
A printed version of the Potters Map can be picked up from Information Centres in Nelson , Motueka and Golden Bay.
A printed version of the Potters Map can be picked up from Information Centres in Nelson , Motueka and Golden Bay.
History
The pottery industry in Nelson began with the early settlers who needed bricks and field pipes for the construction of dwellings and farming. Fortunately there are many deposits of a variety of good clays throughout the greater Nelson region.
The arrival of potters from Europe from Mirek Smisek in 1952 , Harry and May Davis in 1962 and the Lairds in 1964 saw a steady growth in local people becoming involved in pottery, and Nelson became a hub for domestic handcrafted ware.
Several hobby groups sprang up which promoted and encouraged a following for the craft of clay which continues to this day .
The arrival of potters from Europe from Mirek Smisek in 1952 , Harry and May Davis in 1962 and the Lairds in 1964 saw a steady growth in local people becoming involved in pottery, and Nelson became a hub for domestic handcrafted ware.
Several hobby groups sprang up which promoted and encouraged a following for the craft of clay which continues to this day .