LESTER BUNBURY: Iconic Australian Designer

Among the seven designers inducted into the Design Institute of Australia’s Hall of Fame on June 15, 2018, was a posthumous inductee—furniture, interior, industrial and exhibition designer Lester “Bun” Bunbury. Bun is recognised as a pioneer and leader in establishing Mid-Century Modern design locally, but there is not much information about him. His practice covered not only furniture and exhibitions but products and corporate branding as well. Aside from private practice, he passed on his knowledge by teaching and writing on design. He was passionate about design even in personal life. His contributions to design continue to be appreciated today.

WEDGWOOD: Moulding the Definition of Good

Wedgwood is porcelain, fine China, and Magnificence Company established by Josiah Wedgwood. In 1765, Wedgwood came up with a new type of creamware, which overwhelmed the then British consort who gave formal authorisation to name it Queen’s Ware. This new product sold very well all over Europe. Wedgwood developed some other industrial innovations for his company. The Jasperware, made to look like prehistoric cameo glass, was the best-known product of Wedgwood, which is now a museum piece. The designs were extremely influenced by the prehistoric cultures being rediscovered and studied at that time to please the enormous business demand. Wedgwood has honoured many individuals from America and corporations also, both in the past and in recent times.

GORDON ANDREWS: A Great Designer

Gordon Arthur Andrews is known as one of Australia’s greatest designers. His first inspiration was his father who was also an inventor and designer. The early 1960s saw a lot of Gordon’s interior design but the year 1963 was perhaps one of the most notable for him. It was in this year that the Advisory Committee chose Andrews’s designs for Australia’s new banknotes. He designed furniture as well. The designer believed that furniture should not only be aesthetically pleasing, but also comfortable and efficient. Gordon’s furniture designs are sought-after and even copied by others. Andrews is seen by some as a “cultural hero” deserving of a place with those represented in the banknotes he had designed.

THE STINTON FAMILY: The Royal Dynasty in Pottery

Royal Worcester has always been known for the very high quality of the artists’ painting. Perhaps the best known are the members of the Stinton family. They started working at the Grainger factory before it came under the auspices of the Royal Worcester in 1905. Throughout the years of their association with the Worcester Pottery, they have produced fine artwork, particularly in each of their chosen specialities. While the theme of cattle, game birds and scenic castles runs through the Stinton dynastic artwork, each has its own individuality. Some of the colouring is quite ethereal and very lovely to see. The Stinton family has made a huge contribution to the Royal Worcester Porcelain factories work.