Everyone has a good set of china or at least a favourite cup with a story attached; be it a priceless heirloom or a workplace mug left behind by a colleague. ‘The Good Cups’ showcases and celebrates the favourite cups of the Friday Painters at Camberwell Community Centre.
Originating as an initiative of teacher Linda Judge, the group has been meeting to paint together for more than 20 years. The exhibition brings together both painting and storytelling, highlighting unrepresented artists from Boroondara who use still life painting and writing to access memory and personal narratives.
‘The Good Cups’ is a Community Exhibition on display at Town Hall Gallery from Tuesday 29 September to Sunday 8 November 2020. Featuring artists Cath Allen, Joy Barnett, Suzanne Bitmead, Helen Brauns, Margot Campbell, Christie Curatolo, Bev Gosbell, Melanie Jacobsen, Sue James, Julie Kelcey, Catherine Linsdell-Edwards, Brian Lynch, Cassandra Mastoris, Kate Morton, Jill Nicol, Martin Norvick, Margaret Poiesz, Cass Roche and Maria Urdampilleta.
Please click the left and right arrows to browse the carousel of images below. Each artwork comes with a story behind the favourite cup.
Some of the artworks in this exhibition are for sale. If the artwork is for sale, a price has been provided. Email [email protected] for sales enquiries or to purchase an artwork.
Banner image credit left to right: Margot CAMPBELL, Untitled, acrylic on canvas, 41 x 30 cm; Christie CURATOLO, Untitled, oil on canvas, 40 x 30 cm; Helen BRAUNS, Untitled, acrylic on canvas, 40 x 30 cm; images courtesy of the artists.
Christie CURATOLO, Untitled, oil on canvas 40 x 30 cm, image courtesy of the artist.
Price: $250
This is a cup from my husband's cafe; Mr Peebles in Ivanhoe. I started this painting before COVID-19 lockdown, but by the time I got around to completing the cafe interior we were in the midst of isolation. Without intending to do so, I ended up painting cups without drinkers and the desolate feel of the cafe on a winter's morning during these strange times.
Price: $250
This is a cup from my husband's cafe; Mr Peebles in Ivanhoe. I started this painting before COVID-19 lockdown, but by the time I got around to completing the cafe interior we were in the midst of isolation. Without intending to do so, I ended up painting cups without drinkers and the desolate feel of the cafe on a winter's morning during these strange times.
Margaret POIESZ, Untitled, acrylic on canvas, 31 x 31 cm, image courtesy of the artist.
Price: $150
My lovely cup and saucer always reminds me of my wonderful mum. It is part of a Royal Doulton dinner set that she gave me as a wedding present 50 years ago. Sadly, Mum is no longer with us but her kind and generous nature is always remembered.
Price: $150
My lovely cup and saucer always reminds me of my wonderful mum. It is part of a Royal Doulton dinner set that she gave me as a wedding present 50 years ago. Sadly, Mum is no longer with us but her kind and generous nature is always remembered.
Julie KELCEY, Untitled, acrylic on canvas, 36 x 28 cm, image courtesy of the artist.
Price: $150
Sometimes your cup is the only really personal object that belongs to you in a workplace. It might be a gift from a loved one and reminds you of them or it could be something that allows you to express your personality in an otherwise rigid and sterile environment. People often chat about their cups and how they came to acquire them.
Sometimes, when people move from the workplace, they leave their cup behind. It can almost seem like they are leaving a memory or reminder behind, so they will not be forgotten. I like to drink from these cups and announce that I am using ‘so-and-so’s’ cup. It feels like I am disobeying the rules. Often a chat about the previous owner follows.
I encourage everyone to drink from these cups and reminisce about those who have left their cups behind.
Price: $150
Sometimes your cup is the only really personal object that belongs to you in a workplace. It might be a gift from a loved one and reminds you of them or it could be something that allows you to express your personality in an otherwise rigid and sterile environment. People often chat about their cups and how they came to acquire them.
Sometimes, when people move from the workplace, they leave their cup behind. It can almost seem like they are leaving a memory or reminder behind, so they will not be forgotten. I like to drink from these cups and announce that I am using ‘so-and-so’s’ cup. It feels like I am disobeying the rules. Often a chat about the previous owner follows.
I encourage everyone to drink from these cups and reminisce about those who have left their cups behind.
Cath ALLEN, Untitled, oil on linen, 36 x 28 cm, image courtesy of the artist.
I delight in my pink cup ensemble, tea for one from T2, a thoughtful, treasured Mother’s Day gift. I have done this painting on my first homemade stretched linen canvas made years ago with an artistic friend and saved for a special occasion.
My daily cups of tea are a family tradition from childhood always made with tea leaves not a teabag, a cup of tea first thing in the morning and then another at 4pm. These are gifts and lessons learnt from women who have helped shape me in my life’s journey. Thoughtful, insightful, meaningful, practical women, times shared sprinkled with laughter and creativity.
Passing time over tea rituals, chats in all corners of the world and memories made over a cuppa in special places. Deep in conversation covering a myriad of topics, comfortable periods of silent pondering holding the warm cup, filling one’s soul, expanding one’s mind and contemplating.
There is also some recollection of extreme hilarity as one becomes aware teatime has seamlessly become wine time.
I delight in my pink cup ensemble, tea for one from T2, a thoughtful, treasured Mother’s Day gift. I have done this painting on my first homemade stretched linen canvas made years ago with an artistic friend and saved for a special occasion.
My daily cups of tea are a family tradition from childhood always made with tea leaves not a teabag, a cup of tea first thing in the morning and then another at 4pm. These are gifts and lessons learnt from women who have helped shape me in my life’s journey. Thoughtful, insightful, meaningful, practical women, times shared sprinkled with laughter and creativity.
Passing time over tea rituals, chats in all corners of the world and memories made over a cuppa in special places. Deep in conversation covering a myriad of topics, comfortable periods of silent pondering holding the warm cup, filling one’s soul, expanding one’s mind and contemplating.
There is also some recollection of extreme hilarity as one becomes aware teatime has seamlessly become wine time.
Suzanne BITMEAD, Untitled, acrylic on canvas, 25 x 31 cm, image courtesy of the artist.
Price: $250
This cup and saucer always makes me feel special as I love the oriental design and find the colours calming.
Price: $250
This cup and saucer always makes me feel special as I love the oriental design and find the colours calming.
Margot CAMPBELL, Untitled, acrylic on canvas, 41 x 30 cm, image courtesy of the artist.
Price: $110
Recently we downsized to an apartment which required a rather thorough clean out of ‘stuff’. The kitchen resulted in a ruthless cull, but the process lead to a discovering of ‘stuff’ I had completely forgotten about. As a result of yet another relocation to another city, things had been hastily hidden, in either high out of reach places or cupboards earmarked as ‘too good for everyday use with my children.’ How delightful it was to now be able to utilise a dinner set in our new abode.
This French set is a memory of our time as expats, travelling and living in the Northern Hemisphere. Parisian scenes are pictured on this dinner set and are a reminder of the vibrancy this city evokes with its people, cafes and bars. Now in this current climate of isolation, the tea cup, saucer and cake plate pictured here, using a David Hockney colour palate influence, brings me some brightness in this pandemic.
Price: $110
Recently we downsized to an apartment which required a rather thorough clean out of ‘stuff’. The kitchen resulted in a ruthless cull, but the process lead to a discovering of ‘stuff’ I had completely forgotten about. As a result of yet another relocation to another city, things had been hastily hidden, in either high out of reach places or cupboards earmarked as ‘too good for everyday use with my children.’ How delightful it was to now be able to utilise a dinner set in our new abode.
This French set is a memory of our time as expats, travelling and living in the Northern Hemisphere. Parisian scenes are pictured on this dinner set and are a reminder of the vibrancy this city evokes with its people, cafes and bars. Now in this current climate of isolation, the tea cup, saucer and cake plate pictured here, using a David Hockney colour palate influence, brings me some brightness in this pandemic.
Kate MORTON, Tea cups and company, acrylic on canvas, 36 x 36 cm, image courtesy of the artist.
Price: $280
I became the keeper of tea cups on my grandmother’s passing. Surviving the ministrations of the elderly and infirm, only four of a set remained intact, kept company by some gifted individuals from whimsically floral to deliberately ornate.
Leaving home for the first time, I loved spending Sundays with an eclectic group of gentlemen who enjoyed flouting the conventional expectations of masculinity. Sunday mornings, we strolled down Acland Street, St Kilda, feeling very cosmopolitan. The ‘right’ cakes were democratically selected for the purpose of returning for tea to a house in Windsor. The elderly china was colourful atop the 1950’s laminex and chrome kitchen table, and matching fire-engine red vinyl chairs.
Brewing tea, and ceremoniously laying out the cakes, was the beginning of ‘taking tea’, an event that could last for hours. Visitors would drop in unannounced, and the fine china cups bestowed a sense of festivity, and also connection. As the day faded, the cups were lovingly washed, and driven home in a basket placed on the front seat of a 1964 Peugeot. Why they didn’t fly off taking sharp corners in those little winding streets remains a mystery.
Price: $280
I became the keeper of tea cups on my grandmother’s passing. Surviving the ministrations of the elderly and infirm, only four of a set remained intact, kept company by some gifted individuals from whimsically floral to deliberately ornate.
Leaving home for the first time, I loved spending Sundays with an eclectic group of gentlemen who enjoyed flouting the conventional expectations of masculinity. Sunday mornings, we strolled down Acland Street, St Kilda, feeling very cosmopolitan. The ‘right’ cakes were democratically selected for the purpose of returning for tea to a house in Windsor. The elderly china was colourful atop the 1950’s laminex and chrome kitchen table, and matching fire-engine red vinyl chairs.
Brewing tea, and ceremoniously laying out the cakes, was the beginning of ‘taking tea’, an event that could last for hours. Visitors would drop in unannounced, and the fine china cups bestowed a sense of festivity, and also connection. As the day faded, the cups were lovingly washed, and driven home in a basket placed on the front seat of a 1964 Peugeot. Why they didn’t fly off taking sharp corners in those little winding streets remains a mystery.
Cassie MASTORIS, Untitled, acrylic on board, 40 x 30 cm, image courtesy of the artist.
Price: $250
When I’m at home working, I have this routine where I go to the local shops and have a coffee before visiting the Op Shop. I love that you never know what you’re going to find, it’s like being a child again at the local fair with a lucky dip.
On one visit, I saw these two cups and saucers in the glass cabinet near the front door.
They were neat and compact and so beautifully made. And the colour. They were the most beautiful dusty pink and pale mint green. I bought them and placed them on my kitchen bench, thinking about the home had they previously belonged to.
Price: $250
When I’m at home working, I have this routine where I go to the local shops and have a coffee before visiting the Op Shop. I love that you never know what you’re going to find, it’s like being a child again at the local fair with a lucky dip.
On one visit, I saw these two cups and saucers in the glass cabinet near the front door.
They were neat and compact and so beautifully made. And the colour. They were the most beautiful dusty pink and pale mint green. I bought them and placed them on my kitchen bench, thinking about the home had they previously belonged to.
Sue JAMES, Untitled, oil on canvas, 25 x 20 cm, image courtesy of the artist.
I am writing and illustrating a picture book about an echidna called Matilda. My son and daughter- in-law, knowing of my project, gave me a mug with echidnas on it. The two echidnas wandering around are those which were on the back of the mug who didn’t want to be left out.
I am writing and illustrating a picture book about an echidna called Matilda. My son and daughter- in-law, knowing of my project, gave me a mug with echidnas on it. The two echidnas wandering around are those which were on the back of the mug who didn’t want to be left out.
Jill NICOL, Coffee, Redouté and Dad, oil on canvas, 41 x 51 cm, image courtesy of the artist.
Years ago, my widowed father bought me two rose tea mugs when we were wandering through a well-stocked homewares store. He knew how much I admired the botanical art of Pierre-Joseph Redouté, the artist-teacher and flower-painter to Marie-Antoinette and later, Josephine Bonaparte. Thank you Dad for sweet, kind memories.
Years ago, my widowed father bought me two rose tea mugs when we were wandering through a well-stocked homewares store. He knew how much I admired the botanical art of Pierre-Joseph Redouté, the artist-teacher and flower-painter to Marie-Antoinette and later, Josephine Bonaparte. Thank you Dad for sweet, kind memories.
Jill NICOL, Cup, saucer and plate, oil on canvas board, 30 x 40 cm, image courtesy of the artist.
Price: $75
One of many on Nana's tea trolley when she rolled it out for 'arvo tea'. It was her light scones, homemade jam and huge blobs of rich cream that I liked.
Price: $75
One of many on Nana's tea trolley when she rolled it out for 'arvo tea'. It was her light scones, homemade jam and huge blobs of rich cream that I liked.
Catherine LINSDELL-EDWARDS, Tea parties, acrylic on canvas, 25 x 20 cm, image courtesy of the artist.
Price: $50
When I think of tea cups I instinctively conjure up fond childhood memories of creative play and endless imagination. Inspired by the much adored novel Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, the Mad Hatter’s tea party came alive in my childhood. An assortment of cups, array of sizes, shapes and colours stacked into each other. This association was the theme of endless tea parties, dress ups and hours of inventive fun.
My painting relives these childlike memories and images. The bright colours, odd cups and random arrangement of sizes, reflect this small but important part of my childhood.
Price: $50
When I think of tea cups I instinctively conjure up fond childhood memories of creative play and endless imagination. Inspired by the much adored novel Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, the Mad Hatter’s tea party came alive in my childhood. An assortment of cups, array of sizes, shapes and colours stacked into each other. This association was the theme of endless tea parties, dress ups and hours of inventive fun.
My painting relives these childlike memories and images. The bright colours, odd cups and random arrangement of sizes, reflect this small but important part of my childhood.
Helen BRAUNS, Untitled, acrylic on canvas, 40 x 30 cm, image courtesy of the artist.
Price: $150
For over thirty years I worked in the advertising industry. Lucky for me, many of my co-workers were fun, vibrant and colourful to be around. However, in the staff kitchen ‘look out’ if you used one of their trendy, designer mugs. You’d be hunted down and sometimes their looks could kill. To overcome this l would always look for the ‘Unloved Mug’, alone at the back of the shelf.
While selecting my sad mug for the day, the Creative Director once told me: ‘I’m looking for an ‘Unloved Mug’, so I don’t get into trouble’.
I turned to him and said, ‘That’s exactly what I do.’ I then asked him, ‘Do you come from a large family?’
‘Yes, I come from a family of eight.’
I laughed, because I came from a family of seven. When you’re from a large family, you learn to go with the flow and any mug is a ‘go’.
Price: $150
For over thirty years I worked in the advertising industry. Lucky for me, many of my co-workers were fun, vibrant and colourful to be around. However, in the staff kitchen ‘look out’ if you used one of their trendy, designer mugs. You’d be hunted down and sometimes their looks could kill. To overcome this l would always look for the ‘Unloved Mug’, alone at the back of the shelf.
While selecting my sad mug for the day, the Creative Director once told me: ‘I’m looking for an ‘Unloved Mug’, so I don’t get into trouble’.
I turned to him and said, ‘That’s exactly what I do.’ I then asked him, ‘Do you come from a large family?’
‘Yes, I come from a family of eight.’
I laughed, because I came from a family of seven. When you’re from a large family, you learn to go with the flow and any mug is a ‘go’.
Bev GOSBELL, Untitled, acrylic on canvas, 30 x 30 cm, image courtesy of the artist.
Come on over for a hot mug of tea, my home is warm and my friendship is free. My old kitchen strawberry mugs have never been far from the kettle. The anticipation of a friend's visit is always a time to look forward to. Comments heard often, ‘You've still got those mugs!’ or ‘I used to have a mug like that!’
Sitting relaxed at the kitchen bench with hands clasped around a hot cuppa, the conversation flows. Good news stories compared and world problems are solved. Our joys, secrets and sorrows shared. How good it is to have friends to laugh with and to cry with.
Come on over for a hot mug of tea, my home is warm and my friendship is free. My old kitchen strawberry mugs have never been far from the kettle. The anticipation of a friend's visit is always a time to look forward to. Comments heard often, ‘You've still got those mugs!’ or ‘I used to have a mug like that!’
Sitting relaxed at the kitchen bench with hands clasped around a hot cuppa, the conversation flows. Good news stories compared and world problems are solved. Our joys, secrets and sorrows shared. How good it is to have friends to laugh with and to cry with.
Martin NORVIC, Untitled, acrylic on canvas, 30 x 25 cm each, image courtesy of the artist.
Price: $250 pair
These are two favourite coffee mugs belonging to myself and my wife (hers is the one with the sheep). They came from the Lochinver Pottery, on the coast of Sutherland, in the beautiful far North West corner of Scotland. The pictures on them remind us of some of the finest mountain climbing in the Scottish Highlands. These cliff-bound mountains rise precipitously out of the peat bog as huge sandstone peaks, and three quarters of the time they are either lashed by North Atlantic gales or swathed in mist.
Over the years we have managed to climb three of them. Stac Pollaidh is an exciting afternoon excursion, but you won’t have your hands in your pockets! Suilven is a 10 mile hike across the bog, followed by a challenging 2000 foot scramble up the cliffs, and then a 10 mile hike out again. Our first attempt to climb Quinag was thwarted by deep, soft snow. However our second attempt was successful, and we were rewarded with sublime views in perfect weather. Happy days!
Price: $250 pair
These are two favourite coffee mugs belonging to myself and my wife (hers is the one with the sheep). They came from the Lochinver Pottery, on the coast of Sutherland, in the beautiful far North West corner of Scotland. The pictures on them remind us of some of the finest mountain climbing in the Scottish Highlands. These cliff-bound mountains rise precipitously out of the peat bog as huge sandstone peaks, and three quarters of the time they are either lashed by North Atlantic gales or swathed in mist.
Over the years we have managed to climb three of them. Stac Pollaidh is an exciting afternoon excursion, but you won’t have your hands in your pockets! Suilven is a 10 mile hike across the bog, followed by a challenging 2000 foot scramble up the cliffs, and then a 10 mile hike out again. Our first attempt to climb Quinag was thwarted by deep, soft snow. However our second attempt was successful, and we were rewarded with sublime views in perfect weather. Happy days!
Melanie JACOBSEN, Aloha Dreaming, acrylic on board, 20 x 20 cm, image courtesy of the artist.
Back in the 90s I stopped in Hawaii for the fourth time and I picked up this mug for my mum. I was on the way home after six months in North America with my now ex-husband. We went to Maui and Kauai to explore the beautiful mountains and coastlines; sharing a car with backpackers, swimming in some huge surf and eating tropical fruits growing by the side of the road.
I knew my mum would appreciate this memento as whenever she told us stories of our immigration her eyes would light up when it came to the part about how we got to stop in Hawaii. I can just imagine how difficult it was taking 4 children under 9 across the Pacific!
Eight years ago, I was sorting out my mum’s things with my sisters after she had died suddenly from a heart attack. When I drink my own hot chocolate in this mug, I can also see mum’s smiling face, twinkling eyes and even hear her laugh over her cup of coffee.
Back in the 90s I stopped in Hawaii for the fourth time and I picked up this mug for my mum. I was on the way home after six months in North America with my now ex-husband. We went to Maui and Kauai to explore the beautiful mountains and coastlines; sharing a car with backpackers, swimming in some huge surf and eating tropical fruits growing by the side of the road.
I knew my mum would appreciate this memento as whenever she told us stories of our immigration her eyes would light up when it came to the part about how we got to stop in Hawaii. I can just imagine how difficult it was taking 4 children under 9 across the Pacific!
Eight years ago, I was sorting out my mum’s things with my sisters after she had died suddenly from a heart attack. When I drink my own hot chocolate in this mug, I can also see mum’s smiling face, twinkling eyes and even hear her laugh over her cup of coffee.
Cass ROCHE, Garfield, acrylic on canvas, 35 x 35 cm, image courtesy of the artist.
Price: $250
A very special memory is represented in this painting of two special items which still have their place in my home today. When my children - Jilly, now aged 50 and Steve, 46 years - were small, they knew of my love for cats and Italian food!
Consequently, they were each thrilled with their choice of Mothers’ Day gift for me! Whilst none of us is sure of the particular year - maybe 1979/1980 - these two gifts continue to evoke wonderful memories for me, and take them back to their childhood. Who doesn’t love Garfield, coffee and lasagne?
Price: $250
A very special memory is represented in this painting of two special items which still have their place in my home today. When my children - Jilly, now aged 50 and Steve, 46 years - were small, they knew of my love for cats and Italian food!
Consequently, they were each thrilled with their choice of Mothers’ Day gift for me! Whilst none of us is sure of the particular year - maybe 1979/1980 - these two gifts continue to evoke wonderful memories for me, and take them back to their childhood. Who doesn’t love Garfield, coffee and lasagne?
Maria URDAMPILLETA, Untitled, acrylic on canvas, 30 x 40 cm, image courtesy of the artist.
Twenty-seven years ago, while I was travelling with my Australian boyfriend, we bought a 12-piece Corso di Fiori dinner set in Sorrento, Italy. Sadly the dinner set never arrived to Melbourne as the owner of the shop promised. My boyfriend - now husband - vowed that we would never post anything from overseas again.
Two years later I saw this cup and saucer in a shop window in Rome. My boyfriend did not even have a look at it. But I rushed in and bought it. This beautiful cup and saucer was carried in my hand luggage and arrived home safely.
Twenty-seven years ago, while I was travelling with my Australian boyfriend, we bought a 12-piece Corso di Fiori dinner set in Sorrento, Italy. Sadly the dinner set never arrived to Melbourne as the owner of the shop promised. My boyfriend - now husband - vowed that we would never post anything from overseas again.
Two years later I saw this cup and saucer in a shop window in Rome. My boyfriend did not even have a look at it. But I rushed in and bought it. This beautiful cup and saucer was carried in my hand luggage and arrived home safely.
Brian LYNCH, Untitled, acrylic and pastel on canvas, 24 x 20 cm, image courtesy of the artist.
Price: $95
This cup was found by my sister in the abandoned stone cottage on the original family farm in County Clare, Ireland. The farm had not long been transferred out of the family by our last relative in Ireland, however the current owner of the property gave her a tour of the farm and she found the cup while looking through the dilapidated cottage.
A simple chipped cup, with no value but it serves as a link to a line of descendants who left Ireland for Australia at the time of the potato blight in the 1800’s. It represents a long line of current and past relatives - parents, grandparents and great grandparents and as such has become a family icon.
Price: $95
This cup was found by my sister in the abandoned stone cottage on the original family farm in County Clare, Ireland. The farm had not long been transferred out of the family by our last relative in Ireland, however the current owner of the property gave her a tour of the farm and she found the cup while looking through the dilapidated cottage.
A simple chipped cup, with no value but it serves as a link to a line of descendants who left Ireland for Australia at the time of the potato blight in the 1800’s. It represents a long line of current and past relatives - parents, grandparents and great grandparents and as such has become a family icon.
Joy BARNETT, Untitled, pastel on paper, 20 x 30 cm, image courtesy of the artist.
Price: $110
For this exhibition, I chose an antique cup and saucer that I thought belonged to my beloved mother-in-law. Upon closer examination, I found it was from T2. I had no idea where this had come from, so I did some sleuthing and low and behold, it was a gift to my daughter from an old boyfriend. Needless to say, I never drew the 'antique cup and saucer' but had a great laugh at the turn of events.
Price: $110
For this exhibition, I chose an antique cup and saucer that I thought belonged to my beloved mother-in-law. Upon closer examination, I found it was from T2. I had no idea where this had come from, so I did some sleuthing and low and behold, it was a gift to my daughter from an old boyfriend. Needless to say, I never drew the 'antique cup and saucer' but had a great laugh at the turn of events.