Sunday, September 14, 2008

I used to have a studio there.


Just around the corner from where I live the 'historic' Northcote Pottery waits patiently for it's transformation into apartments.

I don't think I'm a particularly sentimental or nostalgic person. Change and development tend to turn me into a quiet observer rather than an activist. And it has to be said that the old pottery had it's quirks, like the constant smell of kerosene and the water pressure of a dry creek.

But I miss the colour of the light. Terracotta dust in the air and the sun streaming through the twenty or so doors in the west facing wall really did make it the most romantic of factories.








6 comments:

anonymous julie said...

There's something special, really special, about old buildings. They've got character. I like the photos. Nice space, nice light, I'd miss it too. I'm working on a couple 1904-08 vintage right now. It's a shame to be 'modernizing' them...

-Julie
design-realized.com

Emidio said...

What a shock to see Northcote Pottery like that - I haven't driven past since it closed, is the kiln still standing?

Sophie Moran said...

Sorry Em, didn't mean to startle you. Yes, the kiln is still there, under the graffiti-ed shed on the right. I think the kiln and the two walls still standing (just!) must be kept due to heritage listing.

andrew widdis said...

So did I!
See you on Thursday Sophie.
Cheers, Andrew.

Wen said...

Oh my goodness, I haven't seen it like this! I couldn't work out the space until Em orientated me. It's just a huge emptiness where such industry took place. Weird.
Wen

ang design said...

the old place had such atmosphere...so whats the new northcote pottery like?