Brand Spotlight: Robert Gordon
Robert Gordon has established itself as a distinguished name in the ceramics world, evolving from its modest origins into a renowned brand over the decades. The journey began in 1945 when June Dyson and her husband, Colin Gordon, founded Dyson Studios in Black Rock, a bayside suburb. June, a trailblazer in the pottery industry, was the only female student at RMIT’s pottery course in the 1940s. Her dedication and artistic spirit, coupled with Colin’s support, laid the foundation for a successful family business that supported their six children until their retirement in the late 1980s.
Oyster Wall Light, Nest Table Lamp
In 1978, June and Colin’s youngest son, Robert 'Andy' Gordon, pursued his own pottery venture with his English wife, Barbara. They founded Pack Track Pottery in a tin shed on their Gembrook property, marking a new chapter for the Gordon family. As the pottery grew in prominence, it became the largest local employer in Gembrook by the 1980s. To accommodate expanding demand, Pack Track Pottery moved to a purpose-built facility in Pakenham, further establishing its place in the Australian ceramics market.
The 1990s saw Pack Track Pottery transform into a major production house with over 35 employees. Their ceramics gained recognition from local markets to prestigious international retailers and restaurants. During this period, the next generation of Gordons—Hannah, Kate, and later Bobby—joined the business, infusing it with new ideas and adapting to modern trends. This included incorporating imported designs alongside their Australian-made creations to offer a diverse and contemporary product range.
Today, under the leadership of Hannah, Kate, and Bobby Gordon, Robert Gordon Pottery continues to uphold its founders' legacy. The brand integrates a mix of traditional and modern production techniques, using machinery and mouldings to create each piece. Prototypes are first developed on the thrower’s wheel or slab roller before being finalised through casting or pressing. With 35 skilled local craftspeople, some with over 25 years of experience, each piece of pottery passes through at least twelve sets of hands, reflecting meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail. Robert Gordon Pottery embodies a unique blend of tradition and innovation, maintaining a distinctive Australian spirit that resonates with pottery enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.