Roger Graham, 92, is an accomplished craftsman and a true gentleman who stands as a testament to the enduring power of passion and creativity. 

His second career as a potter has defied the constraints of age and flourished with time. 

Roger's primary focus is on creating high-fired domestic stoneware. His pieces are practical and yet artful, designed to be cherished in our daily lives. Working from his workshop, which is nested in the charming setting of the old Toolijooa School House, Roger skillfully brings clay to life in the form of mugs, teapots, bowls, and figurines. His creations include a variety of animals such as owls, dragons, pussycats, little wombats, emus, and dolphins.

Roger Graham Pottery - teabag teapot

Previously a school science teacher in Kiama, in his retirement, Roger embarked on an artistic journey with his wife, Pauline, dedicating four years to a part-time pottery course at TAFE. Both of them graduated in 1991 with a Certificate in Studio Ceramics, with Pauline even outshining her husband in academic prowess. In fact none of this would have happened if Pauline hadn’t started off the idea! She booked the first course and bought the first wheel, and the rest, they say, is history.

Regarding their venture, Roger humbly refers to it as a "cottage industry," which came to life in 1988. Their initial equipment was modest, including a small electric kiln (6 cubic feet), lovingly resurrected from its burnt-out state. Over the years, they expanded their arsenal with a larger gas-fired fibre kiln (27 cubic feet), a smaller test kiln (2 cubic feet), and a wood-fired kiln, each reflecting their commitment to the craft.

Today, Roger continues to shape clay into art while Pauline takes on the pivotal roles of Quality Control Supervisor and Customer Relations Manager. Roger consults with her about glazes and creative design for the pieces. Despite the march of time and the slowing pace that comes with it, they persist in their creative journey.

If you ever find yourself on the highway near Toolijooa, watch for a sign directing you to their pottery 'display room.' In their charmingly modest style, they prefer not to use the term 'studio' as it sounds "too pretentious," opting for 'display room' and workshop.

Roger Graham Pottery 

This workshop is a haven of creativity, housing three pottery wheels, pugmills, a slab roller, extruders, various kilns, and all the essential tools. 

“We fire an occasional batch of terracotta items, but most of the work is stoneware, fired to cone 9 or 10,” says Roger.

With a twinkle in his eye, Roger describes opening the kiln door after each firing as akin to unwrapping a Christmas present, where some pots exceed expectations while others present room for improvement.

In their quest for continual learning and improvement, every result is meticulously documented with the aim of constant refinement.

Roger's commitment to passing on his knowledge is evident in the three skilled craftspeople he mentors. He thrives on learning and experimenting, often delving into techniques such as water-etching, which imbues surfaces with a delicate raised pattern, opening up a world of artistic possibilities.

Roger in the workshop

Their work has not gone unnoticed, with a collection of prize ribbons earned at various shows and exhibitions. It's a testament to the quality and artistry behind every piece they produce. Roger and Pauline are just as enthusiastic about making pottery today as they were 30 years ago!

Full of stories and reminiscences of the past, Roger and Pauline love to laugh and to chat with those who visit their workshop. 

“We meet a lot of interesting people from all corners of the globe,” and they have a map of the world on the workshop wall with coloured pins showing all the places that his visitors have come from. 

Very humble about his achievements, Roger says that, apart from the creative outlet, he and his proteges find potting very soothing, adding “Who doesn’t like ‘playing in the mud’?”

For a closer look at Roger and Pauline's artistry and craftsmanship, you can visit their 'display room' at Old Toolijooa School, 233 Princes Hwy, Gerringong, NSW 2534. Alternatively, you can explore their website: Pottery at Old Toolijooa School. And if you like stories, Roger and Pauline have plenty.