A Tapestry of Colour, Creativity & Legacy

Yesterday, the Morris & James team announced that after producing for another few months to complete current stock, they will begin dismantling the pottery operations. General Manager Kieran Rice cited economic pressures, Ant’s retirement, Covid struggles and the challenge of finding new custodians as key reasons.

Founded in 1977 by ceramicist Anthony “Ant” Morris and architect Sue James, Morris & James grew from raw clay terraces by the Matakana River into a celebrated factory, showroom, and local cultural landmark. Over nearly fifty years, the studio produced bold, colour-rich ceramics—from monumental garden pots to tiles and kitchenware—built through a meticulous process: extracting clay, extruding, wheel-throwing, spray‑glazing, and kiln‑firing.

Photo courtesy of Morris & James website.

Their creations, often decorated in signature tones of Pacific blue, rich reds, earthy manganese, and experimental styles, became synonymous with New Zealand craftsmanship. An estimated NZ$40 million in stock has been sold nationwide, gracing private homes, public spaces like the Auckland Ferry Building, Government House Wellington, and restaurants such as Prego.

Photo courtesy of Morris & James website.

A Founder’s Journey: From Farmland to Clay

Ant Morris's life is an epic tale: starting work on a Hawke’s Bay sheep station, he studied agriculture at Lincoln, then embarked on a global odyssey driving bulldozers, teaching in Saigon, and working across Europe, North America, Africa, and more. In Britain, he discovered pottery under Robyn Welch in Suffolk, sparking a passion that led him back to NZ in 1977 to establish the pottery with Sue James on a scrub‑covered, clay‑rich Matakana site.

Drawing inspiration from the Arts & Crafts movement and traditional techniques, Ant built a collaborative, artisan‑driven operation focused on functional, beautifully crafted pieces rather than fine art. Along the way, the pottery endured fires, financial struggles, a tragic accident, and Ant's debilitating stroke in 2004.

Photo courtesy of Morris & James website.

Passing on the business

In 2008, Ant appointed Kieran Rice as GM; by 2009, he sold the business to Kieran, Deby, and long-standing team members.

In April 2025, he held a landmark studio sale, offering early works, experimental pieces, and international clay finds—from Suffolk to Spain, Thailand and beyond—supporting local charities in the process.

Closing Chapter: End of an Era

Visitors are invited to tour the factory, grab a final piece of NZ pottery history, and use any outstanding vouchers. The team will maintain visibility through stories, launches, and updates on their Facebook page through to the final curtain.

If you cherish vibrant New Zealand design, this is your moment to experience Morris & James while they’re still shaping clay at Matakana’s iconic site. You can visit Morris & James at 48 Tongue Farm Rd, Matakana, Auckland

Phone: 09 422 7116

OPEN 7-DAYS 9am to 5pm

https://www.morrisandjames.co.nz/