Janet Mansfield (Australia) ceramics

Janet Mansfield (1934-2013) was an Australian potter who was known for her woodfired and salt-glazed vessels. She was born in Sydney and studied ceramics at the East Sydney Technical College (now the National Art School) from 1964-1965. After graduating, she set up her own studio in Turramurra, where she began making thrown domestic stoneware, handbuilt garden pots, and thrown and assembled sculptural pieces.

In 1977, Mansfield moved with her family to Gulgong, New South Wales, where she established an anagama wood-fired kiln and began making salt-glazed ware using local clay. Her work in this medium was highly acclaimed, and she was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 1987 for her services to ceramics.

Mansfield was also a significant publisher and author. She founded and edited the magazines Pottery in Australia (now called Journal of Australian Ceramics) from 1976 to 1989, and Ceramics: more... Art and Perception from 1990 to 1995. She also wrote several books on ceramics, including "The Art of Salt Glazing" (1992) and "Ceramics: Art and Perception" (1994).

Mansfield's work is represented in major public collections in Australia and overseas, including the National Gallery of Australia, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. She was a highly influential figure in the Australian ceramics community, and her work continues to be admired by collectors and curators around the world. less...