MELBOURNE STORIES | Una Deerbon: Creative entrepreneur with Relton Leaver

Una Deerborn (1882 – 1972) is a fascinating artist, now best known for her commercial success with hand-built pottery sold through the Myer Emporium and commercial galleries in the 1930s. This was, however, only one of her many creative enterprises. After studies at the Julian Ashton School, Chicago School of Art, and Slade School (London) she was also a successful illustrator, head fashion designer at David Jones, and conducted classes in embroidery and costume design. This talk will introduce Una, and the many facets of her creative career.  

A small selection of her work from Relton Leaver’s personal collection will be on display, and guests are invited to bring their own Una Deerborn pieces to share. 

Relton Leaver is the grandson of Una Deerbon. He studied a Diploma of Art & Design majoring in Ceramics at RMIT and trained as a Technical School Teacher.  He taught ceramics, ran a private ceramic school and a production studio.  For over ten years, he was Deputy Manager, Workshops & Programs Coordinator and Exhibitions Curator at The Meat Market Craft Centre, North Melbourne. Una Deerbon 1882-1972 Australian Potter, written and researched by Peter and Relton Leaver tells the story of Deerbon’s contribution to ceramics in mid-20^th century Australia, and will be available for sale at the lecture.

Your ticket includes tea or Market Lane coffee served before the lecture, and time to browse our exclusive range of books, gifts, and homewares at TJC Emporium.  NOTE: Tickets for this event do not include access to our exhibition-house, Fairhall. Guided tours of the current exhibition can be booked separately.

This lecture is supported by The Colin Holden Charitable Trust.

Image: Una Deerbon, vase, c.1940. National Gallery of Australia, Canberra.