Peter Stichbury: Return to New Zealand

The Stichburys returned to Auckland in 1959, greatly enriched by their time overseas. Peter immediately set about sharing his knowledge with students at Ardmore Teachers’ College. From now on, his creative life would be dedicated to teaching, developing his own practice, and reaching a wider pottery audience.

Stichbury’s time with Michael Cardew in Africa had left an especially powerful impression. It became the foundation for a personal creative philosophy that celebrated the domestic object, experimentation with glazes and the rich African and English traditions he had encountered. Stichbury and Cardew remained friends, and the English potter visited New Zealand in 1968. During a six-week stay with the Stichburys, Cardew demonstrated pottery making, and produced work for the Pan-Pacific Arts Festival in Christchurch. He visited again in 1981.