Thoughtfully designed and perfectly understated
Announcing the 2023 Shelley Simpson Ceramics Prize Finalists
We’re delighted to announce our 11 talented finalists for the 2023 Shelley Simpson Ceramics Prize. Thank you to everyone who shared their work with us. This year we received a record number of submissions, highlighting the diverse and compelling depth of contemporary Australian ceramics.
The winner will be announced late February and receives a $10,000 cash prize to support either their studies or further pursue their ceramics career, as well as a mentor-mentee relationship with Shelley Simpson.
View finalists
Mud Australia acknowledges the Gadigal peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the Eora Nation on which we create our products, we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We recognise their continuous connection to culture, community and Country.
Mud Australia accepts the invitation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart and supports a First Nations Voice to Parliament enshrined in the Australian Constitution.
Our stores
The original Mud Australia store opened in Woollahra in 2007. Since then we’ve opened 10 stores globally. Over time we’ve established a design language with the Melbourne-based DesignOffice to create spaces that are quietly confident and personable. Iconic Vitsoe shelving systems and refined Barber Osgerby tables sit alongside bespoke joinery by JP Finsbury to showcase our full range of hand-made porcelain - providing a warm and welcoming environment for customers and staff.
About Mud Australia
Since 1994, Mud Australia has created elegant and timeless handmade porcelain homewares. Founded and designed by Shelley Simpson, our collection, available in 19 shades, is as much about self-expression as it is about functionality.
Thoughtfully designed and perfectly understated, we believe there’s elegance and versatility in simplicity. Our handmade porcelain collection is highly versatile with almost endless combinations, serving your ever-changing dining needs.
Our sustainability mission
We’re always looking to do things better — be it design, making, workplace, social or environmental.
Sustainability is built into our design DNA. Our products eschew seasonality, complement any interior, and are made to last. All new additions to our range are designed to be useful and complement existing designs. We believe in conscious and responsible consumption, and this starts with good design.
Mud Australia is a proudly carbon neutral business. Certified through South Pole since 2020, we fund offset projects that we believe in, to play our part in sustainable practices.
Mud Australia Journal
A quiet place to share inspiration, stories and recipes. From behind the scenes to events, this is where we present the things we love to see and do.
Handmade Australian ceramics
All Mud Australia pieces are proudly handmade in Sydney. Our pouring team are trained in-house and use a combination of experience and intuition to cast each piece. The beauty of our pieces can be attributed to the hand-made process and human touch.
Using porcelain clay sourced directly from Limoges, France, our 19 bespoke colours are mixed in-house. The pigment is tinted to the body at slip stage to provide colour depth.
Clear glaze is applied to the interior of each piece, leaving the exterior with a vitrified stone-like surface that becomes smooth with handling.
Discover our collection of handmade ceramics online
At Mud Australia, we believe that there is elegance, quality and versatility in simplicity. Our minimalistic and functional Australian ceramics embody this belief to offer a contemporary design solution to any architectural environment.
Our handmade porcelain fits perfectly into any home and makes the perfect gift. Our pieces can be built upon as your needs evolve and if there’s a double-up (it happens) we have a flexible exchange policy that makes gifting easy.
Our experienced team can advise on how to create the perfect porcelain collection, via virtual design consultation or in person at your nearest Mud Australia store.
Whether it’s a gift for someone special or an item for your own home, our range of dinnerware, servingware, drinkware, home décor and lighting can elevate and personalise your space with a timeless design aesthetic.
FAQs
What handmade ceramics does Mud Australia sell?
We have an extensive range of handmade ceramics, including dinnerware, servingware, drinkware, home décor and lighting.
Where can I visit a Mud Australia store?
The original Mud Australia store opened in 2007. Since then we’ve opened 10 stores globally. Find your nearest store in Sydney, Byron Bay or Melbourne, or visit one of our international stores in New York, Los Angeles or London.
If you aren’t located near our stores, our online team is happy to help with styling advice or general enquiries, feel free to contact us or book a virtual design consultation.
Is Mud Australia carbon neutral?
We’re proud to say that Mud Australia has been carbon neutral since 2020. We’re always looking to find ways of doing things better, from operating in an environmentally friendly way to reiterating and improving on our designs and creating a safe, inclusive workplace and community. Read more about our carbon neutral journey here.
