Gus & Betty McLaren; McLaren Pottery (Australia) ceramics

William George (Gus) and Betty McLaren were a husband and wife team who founded McLaren Pottery in 1945 in Warrandyte, Victoria. Gus was born in Melbourne in 1923, while Betty was born in 1927.

Gus McLaren first developed an interest in pottery while serving in the Australian Army during World War II. After the war, he studied at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) and then went on to apprentice with some of the best potters in Europe, including Bernard Leach in England.

In 1955, McLaren returned to Australia and set up his own studio in Warrandyte, Victoria. Over the course of his career, he developed a unique style that combined traditional Japanese and European techniques with Australian influences. McLaren's work was highly sought after, and he was recognized as one of Australia's leading potters.

Together, they established a small pottery studio on their property in Warrandyte more... named Yarraridge Pottery, where they began producing handcrafted ceramic wares using locally sourced clays and glazes. Their early work was heavily influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement and featured simple, functional designs with earthy colours and textures.

Over time, the McLarens developed their own unique style, incorporating bold, graphic patterns and bright colors into their work. They also experimented with new techniques, such as sgraffito (a form of decoration created by scratching through a surface layer of glaze to reveal a contrasting colour or texture underneath).

By the 1960s, McLaren Pottery had gained a reputation as one of Australia's leading ceramic studios, and their work was featured in exhibitions and galleries across the country. They also collaborated with other artists and designers, including the renowned Australian architect Robin Boyd.

Despite their success, the McLarens remained committed to their small-scale, handmade production methods, and their work continued to be highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. Betty died in 2002 and Gus passed away in 2008.

Today, McLaren Pottery remains an important part of Australia's ceramic history, and examples of the McLauren's work can be found in museums and private collections around the world. less...