BOB CUNNINGHAM

Robert Cunningham was the first contemporary artist to work out of the Lithgow Pottery site, taking over the former pattern store in 1970. Cunningham founded a continuing tradition of contemporary art production in this historic building. Through regular exhibitions in his studio he helped other artists to sell their work and brought new art to the region. Cunningham’s studio was Lithgow’s cultural hub.

Cunningham worked across painting, print making, ceramics and sculpture. He was prolific, producing tens of thousands of works during his career.

Our dad worked out of Lithgow Valley Pottery for over 40 years. He collected clay from the hills and made his own glazes from ashes, rocks and salt. He produced his work on a potters wheel which he built himself. When he left the pottery, he set up his studio in the backyard of our childhood home, which we can’t wait to share.