Ma Mahood

Marguerite Henriette Mahood (née Callaway, 1901-1989) was an Australian graphic artist, ceramicist, sculptor, author and historian. She was a prolific writer, and produced a number of articles and texts for the Australian Home Beautiful journal. Mahood was a founder of many Australian artistic societies.

Early life and education

Marguerite Henriette Callaway was born on 29 July 1901 in Richmond, Victoria. She was the eldest of four siblings of Henry George Callaway and Marguerite Gabrielle Callaway (née Deschamps).

In the 1930s, Mahood attended classes in applied arts at the Working Men's College (the predecessor to RMIT), and studied independently with Leslie Wilkie.

In 1926 Mahood became one of the first women in Australia to broadcast her own radio program, presenting a popular weekly discussion of art and architecture on the forerunner to the ABC between 1926 and 1929.

Inspired by Asian and Islamic ceramics, European commercial potteries such as Sèvres, Meissen and Wedgwood, and English art pottery of the late 19th century, Mahood was also drawn to Neo-Gothic motifs: playful dragons appeared repeatedly in her work. A Herald reviewer described her in 1935 as 'unique among Victorian pottery workers in her colour range. . . a mistress of the dark rites of firing and glazing'. Meticulously numbered and often bearing her distinctive monogram, her work was easily identifiable. Detailed 'kiln books' ensured she avoided repeating mistakes and was able to continually refine her technique.

Her 1932 exhibition at Everyman's Library was so successful the prestigious Sedon Galleries asked her to hold future exhibitions with them. From 1932 until the 1950s Mahood’s regular exhibitions received positive reviews. While the Sydney Technological (Powerhouse) Museum was the only institution to acquire her ceramics during her lifetime, her work is now held in regional, state, national, and international collections.

Death Marguerite Mahood died on 14 October 1989 in Toorak, Melbourne; survived by her son and two grandsons.

Exhibitions

November 1932: Solo exhibition at Everyman's Library November 1933: Solo exhibition at Everyman's Library 19–30 November 1933: Solo exhibition at Sedon Galleries 23 November - 5 December 1936: Exhibition at Hogan Gallery 17–23 October 1997: From the Earth I Arise: The Ceramics of Marguerite Mahood, Ballarat Fine Art Gallery