Sandhurst Pottery

History

James Rumble originally started out as a potter for the Dinmore Brick & Tile Company with fellow potter David Agnew in 1886. After some initial experience in the Queensland industry James decided to open his own pottery company with David Agnew in 1887 and leased a block of land on Bognuda Street Bundamba. The factory became known as Sandhurst Pottery. Due the pairs previous experience in the field they were well on their way to producing fine works such as majolica, Rockingham, earthenware, and specific domestic items such as bakers dishes and milk dishes. Many of the finer works of pottery were entered into national and international competitions and exhibits with great success. However, the partnership was short-lived and in 1889 was no longer. James Rumble then went on to work at Lithgow Pottery in New South Wales, but still continued to manage the Sandhurst Pottery until 1897.

Source:  “Brickworks & Potteries of Ipswich”; Ipswich City Council Library

Location

APPROXIMATE LOCATION OF POTTERY IN 1886 Bognuda Street is indicated. Law, Byrne and Vale Streets have not been constructed yet.
GENERAL AREA OF SANDHURST POTTERY SITE 1963 (YELLOW LINE) Source: QImagery
APPROXIMATE SANDHURST POTTERY SITE IN 2025

Pottery

David Agnew (1887-97) Two vases c.1890 Wheel-thrown Majolica glazed earthenware Unmarked National Museum of Aust Pottery Stephen Mahoney Collection Source "Ipswich Potteries" 1873-1926 p27
David Agnew (1887-97) Bread plate c.1890 Press-moulded Majolica glazed earthenware. Embossed: 'Give us this Day our Daily Bread' Unmarked. Collection of the national Gallery of Aust. Source "Ipswich Potteries" 1873-1926 p27
David Agnew (1887-97) Post Office Stamp Wetter c.1890 Hand-built Majolica glazed earthenware. Impressed: 'MURRY'S COMPANY PATENT No 976' Unmarked. Collection of the National Museum of Aust Pottery. Source "Ipswich Potteries" 1873-1926 p26
The house is said to have been built about 1875 for Mr C Agnew who owned the Sandhurst Pottery.