From global launches to innovative sustainability projects, here’s a look at what we enjoyed and took pride in 2021. Without doubt it was a pretty tough year, with a lot of challenges, however difficult times also give us the opportunity to appreciate the support and care that both our customers and colleagues have shown us – for this we thank you.

1

As a continued evolution of our sustainability journey, we launched our Recycled Clay Collection, a Carbon Neutral product, made entirely from recycled clay and handmade in our Sydney studio. The trimmings and floor spills from our porcelain slip casting are collected, filtered and aged before being cast into new recycled product diverting 1,500L of clay from landfill annually. Each piece is worked on by 10 sets of hands to ensure a quality Mud fineness and finish then fired to vitrification at 1230°C. The surface is left unglazed and hand sanded to provide a smooth matte finish.

2

We introduced our zero waste terrazzo trivet collection, led by founder, Shelley Simpson’s passion towards innovative upcycling and minimization of waste. Determined to create an inventive use for our broken ceramics, Shelley reached out to Brisbane based company, Five Mile Radius, to utilize broken porcelain pieces as aggregate in their upcycled concrete products to create a new take on terrazzo.

3

The launch of the Hive Vase. This new shape took form after our founder, Shelley Simpson, was inspired by Lee Mathews signature cocoon-shaped sleeves and dresses. The vase flaunts an organic architecture with its dome silhouette, sturdy circular base and slight off-axis opening, which creates sculptural, floral arrangements with ease.

4

Mud Australia presented Mud Talks 03: The Magic and Art of Beekeeping with Honey Fingers. Moderated by contemporary artist Stanislava Pinchuk, at At the Above Gallery in Fitzroy, Melbourne. The evening celebrated an exhibition of new sculptural works: Mud porcelain repurposed into beautiful artworks by Nic Dowse and his honeybees.

5

In celebration of NAIDOC Week 2021, we again partnered with our friends APY Art Centre Collective to expand on last year’s much sought-after collection. The newest collection demonstrated an increasing confidence with the ceramic medium. Painted with some of the most sacred Tjukurpa (Dreaming Stories), the pieces were emotive and visually stunning.

6

We were so excited to open our newest location, situated on High St, Armadale. The former hairdressing salon has been transformed by Melbourne firm DesignOffice – who’ve created a space that is quietly confident and personable. Iconic Vitsoe shelving systems showcase our full range of handmade porcelain homewares whilst providing a warm and welcoming environment. Refined Barber Osgerby tables sit alongside Design Office’s bespoke joinery expertly crafted by JP Finsbury. The hero piece is a striking, large round table by Coco Flip which has a custom-made terrazzo top, produced by Five Mile Radius using Mud Australia waste porcelain pieces and upcycled concrete.

7

Last but not least, we settled into our new home. Our beautiful new space in Sydney’s Marrickville was completed. The highlight? Our kitchen – designed by architects Design Office, made by JP Finsbury and finished with Smeg appliances and Laminex Hi-Macs. Our new space is covered with solar panels and full of water tanks to help minimise our impact on the environment.