Pottery vase made by blinded Australian soldier, Bill Reid

The vase was made by Bill Reid, known as 'the blind potter of Burma'. He became blind through his war service and subsequent capture as a prisoner of war.
He was taught to make pottery at the Repatriation General Hospital Concord (113th Australian General Hospital).
His work is highly decorative, and his 'bark pots' are known for their distinctive texture, often resembling bottlebrush tree bark. He even trademarked 'Bark' pottery.
He made a variety of items, including crockery (mugs and jugs), crock pots, ashtrays and vases, all in the same style. He started producing pottery in the late 1940s and was still making it in the early 1980s.
His pieces became collector's items, found in many countries and overseas markets, and he was a source of inspiration to those who knew and admired his work.

Another work of pottery created by blinded soldier, Norman Wilkinson, who was also taught at the Repatriation General Hospital Concord is held in the collection.