At Village Pottery Company, our mission is to create handcrafted Ceramic Water Purifiers and Artistic Collectables that honour craftsmanship, creativity, and connection. Based in the coastal town of Valla Beach, NSW, we are proudly Australian owned and made.

We are passionate about keeping ceramics manufacturing alive in Australia. Through our studio, we aim to preserve and pass on traditional pottery techniques, blending them with modern design to produce timeless, functional art.

As part of this mission, we are committed to training and supporting the next generation of skilled ceramicists. By fostering a collaborative studio environment, we provide hands-on experience, mentorship, and opportunities for emerging makers to grow and thrive in their craft.

Rooted in community and a deep respect for handmade work, Village Pottery Company is where artistry, tradition, and thoughtful living come together.
 

At Village Pottery Company, we’re fortunate to work with a small, skilled, and deeply committed team. While we occasionally welcome additional hands into the studio, our core crew is the heartbeat of our daily operations.

Lou Ince is our methodical organiser. Loyal, kind, and steady, she ensures each stage of production is set up and running smoothly. With previous experience at Southern Cross Pottery, Lou brings a wealth of knowledge to the studio. Her work includes preparing ceramics for firing—sanding, waxing, and glazing the inside of pots—as well as batching glazes, packing orders, and keeping our spare parts organised. Her attention to detail and calm presence help keep the studio humming.

Zara Watts has grown from an enthusiastic young trainee into a valued member of our production team. She throws our ceramic lids and stands with increasing skill and consistency and is now learning every aspect of pottery production, gaining experience across the entire making process. Zara approaches each new challenge with curiosity and determination, and her willingness to learn ensures she continues to grow as a ceramicist.

Miley is the youngest member of our team and brings enthusiasm, reliability, and a strong work ethic to the studio. She plays an important role in organising our clay recycling, trimming greenware, and assisting our potters throughout the production process. Always willing to lend a hand, Miley is learning the foundations of studio pottery while helping keep production flowing efficiently.

Together, we share a passion for ceramics and a love of working with our hands. Every piece we make is the result of collaboration, care, and a shared commitment to creating beautiful, functional Australian-made pottery.

The company is proudly owned and led by Matthew Begg, who continues to guide its creative vision and commitment to Australian-made craftsmanship.

Matthew is a skilled ceramicist and multidisciplinary artist with decades of experience. His journey began at Southern Cross Pottery in the mid-2000s, where he developed a deep understanding of traditional ceramic production while refining his own artistic style. Since then, he has dedicated his career to creating functional stoneware that is both beautiful and built to last.

As owner and head potter at Village Pottery Company, Matt oversees every aspect of production, from throwing many of the studio's signature pieces to developing new designs, refining manufacturing processes, and mentoring the next generation of ceramicists. His unwavering commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and Australian manufacturing ensures that every piece leaving the studio reflects the standards the company has become known for.

Under Matt's leadership, Village Pottery Company continues to produce handcrafted stoneware with a focus on durability, functionality, and timeless design. Every ceramic water purifier and piece of pottery is made with care, reflecting a passion for traditional craftsmanship and the belief that everyday objects should be both practical and beautiful.