Dynamic Ceramic

Entertaining Essentials

From signage to tableware and lighting, ceramics have hit the big time. We sat down with Bobby Gordon of pottery studio Robert Gordon for a lowdown on the ceramic movement’s MoVida moment.

The Robert Gordon studio has been designing and making pottery since 1945 and prides itself on the craftsmanship it has built up over three generations. Alongside its annual seasonal collections, the Melbourne studio has embarked on a number of restaurant and design studio collaborations, like with Bromley, Jeru London, Kip&Co and Cinder to name a few. Their latest collaboration with Melbourne’s famed MoVida has borne not one, but two new ceramic collections.

Robert Gordon’s pottery director at Bobby Gordon, explains the direction they took in designing with MoVida - a Melbourne icon that celebrates Spanish produce, food, and culture through Australian produce. “The Robert Gordon x MoVida collaboration is crafted to honour the MoVida philosophy - loving food and celebrating the joy of sharing it with those you love. This partnership has evolved from a need to put function first. How do we eat, how do we like to share food? How can we elevate the home experience and take the essence of a Melbourne institution to our very own table?”

“As Apicius, a first century Roman gourman observed, we eat first with our eyes. Food is art. No less. And a paired-back, simple plate as a platform is vital to the success of a dish. The importance that an elegant vessel plays in the role of elevating and showcasing a chef’s culinary creation cannot be downplayed. Great crockery, along with interiors, lighting, staff uniforms, and all the other many details, are what makes a restaurant.”

“This is the spirit with which we designed both our tableware for MoVida itself, and the Robert Gordon x MoVida tapas collection, available exclusively at MYER.

Both the tableware and retail collection speak to the simplicity of hearty Spanish cooking. “We are particularly fond of the olive bowl. We think everyone who loves entertaining needs one of these,” adds Bobby Gordon.