In 1970 Ian completed a Bachelor of Architecture at University of Melbourne then worked as a partner in Intererg Ceramics in Fitzroy, Victoria. He then travelled throughout Asia until 1974.
The first pottery was established near Kyneton in 1974 when Ian worked as a pottery technician at Preston Institute of Technology.
In 1977 Ian worked with the Department of Further Education in South Australia on a travelling artist scholarship in remote Aboriginal communities.
The pottery was moved to Metcalfe in 1979 where Greenhill Pottery was established to produce fine stoneware with aesthetic and practical qualities. The pottery was then moved to Taradale, Victoria in 2004.
The glazing and decorative methods are based in Chinese tradition but Ian has broadened these in a distinctive way, drawing on experiences in gaining a Bachelor of Architecture, a Diploma of Art and the practice of Sumie painting.
The pieces are fired in a gas fuelled brick kiln to Cone 10 temperature (1305 degrees centigrade) and above using oxidising and reduction atmospheres in the firing cycle.
Oxides of chrome, cobalt, copper and iron are used in feldspathic glazes and the distinctive colours, depth and gloss of the glazes results from these factors.
Ian Drummond 