AT THE MUSEUM
DISCOVER UNUSUAL PIECES FOUND IN THE PERMANENT COLLECTIONS OF GALLERIES AROUND THE COUNTRY.
THE HISTORY OF water filters and the supply of uncontaminated drinking water goes back to ancient times and the 10th century Persian engineer, Al-karaji is reputed to have been the first to publish a book about the subject. The earliest water filters used in Australia were made of limestone. Dripstones — consisting of a large carved stone bowl mounted on a wooden frame — had a dish to catch the purified water dripping through the stone. There is a very early example outside the kitchen at Elizabeth Farm in Parramatta, Sydney.
The invention of ceramic water filters in England in the mid 19th century meant that every household that could afford one had a ready supply of clean drinking water. They were also standard features on the counter of shops and bars. Making water filters was technically difficult and throughout the late 19th century Australian potteries proudly exhibited examples as proof of their skill in national and international exhibitions.
The creator of this water filter, John Koster, began life as a brickmaker, and in 1888 purchased land at Norwood on the outskirts of Adelaide to establish Koster’s Premier Pottery. The place made domestic items including teapots, bread plates, jars and jugs, and water filters. This one dates from about 1889 and is undoubtedly an example of his best production. Wheel-thrown with a majolica glaze, it features a bowl of fruit and flowers, and rows of impressed decoration, as well as the name of the Pottery.
Kerrie and Geoff Ford’s National Museum of Australian Pottery at Holbrook, NSW, displays the rich history of Australian ceramics, including examples of some of the earliest pottery made in Australia. It is well worth a visit for specialist collectors and the general public. National Museum of Australian Pottery, 76 Albury Street, Holbrook, NSW, (02) 6036 3464, australianpottery.net.au