The Journal of Australian Ceramics Vol 50 No 2 July 2011

Focus : Ceramics + Utility
Tony Bllsan and Sally Gordon in Bilsan's
restaurant in the Radisson Hotel. Sydney
Photo: Greg Piper
On the Table
at Bilson's
Jules Skovgaard gives a short report on how Sally Gordon's celadon
porcelain made it to the table at Bilson's in Sydney.
For as long as she can remember. Sally has enjoyed making things. She studied ceramics at school
and later at the National Art School at East Sydney Technical College. During her school days, Sally was
influenced by Les Blakebrough, who was in charge of the pottery and director of SlUrt Workshops at
Mittagong. Words from Les remain her benchmark: "A potter's standard is only as high as the worst
piece in his exhibition".
At school Sally learned how to throw functional domestic ware in the times when the Japanese
influence was very strong amongst Western potters, This instilled in her the discipline that 'in order to
achieve one must continually strive'. To this end she works to design and make pieces that look good,
work well, and are comfortable to handle and a pleasure to use.
The introduction of blue celadon came after Sally saw it used by some modern potters - the beauty
of it took her breath away. She has now developed her own style of a blue celadon glaze which is
reminiscent of the aqua tones in the waters around the Great Barrier Reef.
Last year, on a visit to the central west of New South Wales, Tony Bilson called at Sally's strawbale
studio near Millthorpe to see her work. He wanted to introduce a serving plate that would catch the eye
as people walked into his restaurant. On seeing the blue celadon ware he decided this was just the look
he wanted, so Sally created a special range for Bilson's that included ten dozen serving plates. six dozen
small casserole dishes, and two different styles of small cups.
Sally says: "After the last delivery I emailed Tony to ask if he was happy with the quality." He replied:
"Love them, Sally; they have lifted the restaurant."
www.bilsons.com.au
so THE JOURNAL OF AUSTRALIAN CERAMICS JULY 2011