Nestled in the foothills of Mt Arthur, Tony Mitchell lives with his family on a picturesque property at Karoola in northeastern Tasmania.

Art has been a core pillar of Tony’s personal and professional life. He spent over 30 years at the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery whilst also running Tasmanian Ceramic and Pottery Supplies with his wife, Jan; and simultaneously developing his creative identity as a wood artist. Turnwood designs combines Tony’s passions for woodturning and joinery.

Tasmanian Ceramic and Pottery Supplies was first established in 1983 under the name ‘Con Dios.’ Tony and Jan have been operating since May 1999, distributing an extensive variety of clays, glazes, slips, ceramic tools, equipment, and more. At the Museum, Tony refined his skills and passion for appreciating art through exhibition construction, joinery, and design. Tony is committed to providing quality products through excellent service to meet customer’s and curator’s needs. This led Tony to create the Pottery Wheel Batt System.

The Pottery Wheel Batt System makes it easier for Potters to throw on a batt and lift off. The Batt System is computer cut for total accuracy and locks together like puzzle pieces. There are three sizes for the batts: small (165mm), large (280mm), and extra-large (400mm). The original system is designed for the New Venco Pottery Wheel with a 335mm wheel head and the aqua-coloured splash pan. However, Tony has created customisations for other brands such as Nidec-Shimpo and older Venco models.

Tony has always had a desire for creating art with wood. Growing up surrounded by Tasmania’s natural beauty provides a wonderful environment from which to engage his passion for creating beautiful things.

Tony’s pieces are fashioned from salvaged Tasmanian timbers. The intricate figures and textures that form with age intrigue him. Each piece is unique, brimming with its own individual character. Flaws in the wood become features, deep rippling colours, exploding rays and hollow forms ranging from blackheart sassafras to tiger myrtle. 

His woodturning opens the door to uncover the deep, tranquil beauty laying buried within Tasmanian specialty timbers.  

Through his woodturning Tony can express himself and capture a glimpse of the life of the tree. He leaves the inner body of the timber exposed so that each piece of art, when created, provides an opportunity for its beholder to find the quiet, natural beauty found from within.

Why not own your very own piece of Tasmania. These timeless pieces will live forever.