If you’ve wandered through in.cube8r Fitzroy, there’s a good chance you’ve already met one of Gordon’s pots. As the maker behind Clifton Hill Pottery, Gordon has been part of the in.cube8r family for over 17 years, quietly crafting functional ceramics that become daily staples in people’s lives.
Named after the Melbourne suburb where he lives and works, Clifton Hill Pottery is a celebration of simplicity, functionality, and local charm. Gordon’s backyard studio (situated right behind the iconic shot tower that inspired his logo) is where all the magic happens. It’s where his kiln and pottery wheel live, and where every mug, bowl, and jug is shaped with care and intention.
“I’m 100 percent functional household stuff,” Gordon explains. “It has to work. If it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work.”
Gordon’s approach to pottery is refreshingly honest. For him, it’s not about elaborate decoration or over-the-top design. Instead, it’s about form, touch, and utility. He lets the clay speak for itself, allowing its natural textures and tones to shine through soft, minimal glazes.
“If you can get a glaze that shows off the pot, then you don’t need to be fiddly,” he says. “You couldn’t draw that – it has to come from the body of the work.”
This philosophy runs through every piece he makes. His mugs aren’t just mugs – they’re someone’s favourite mug. His bowls aren’t decorative extras – they’re the ones you reach for whether you’re serving porridge, salad, or soup. Over the years, countless customers have shared how Clifton Hill Pottery has found a beloved place in their homes.
“People rush up to me and say, ‘It’s my favourite mug,’” Gordon says with a smile. “That’s what I like to hear.”
What makes Clifton Hill Pottery special isn’t just the clay or the glazes – it’s the way these pieces invite use, connection, and comfort. They aren’t made to sit on shelves. They’re made to be held, filled, washed, and used again. They’re made to become part of your routine, and eventually, part of your story.
As a long-time Cuber, Gordon’s cube has become part of the furniture here at in.cube8r. But his work has also made it into the kitchens of all of our team members, many of our cubers and hundreds of customers as well. Gordons work embodies everything in.cube8r stands for: authenticity, creativity, and local heart. His shelf in our Fitzroy store is like a quiet little corner of home, filled with earthy tones and pieces ready to find new hands.
If you’re after ceramics that don’t just look good but feel right – in your hand, in your kitchen, in your life – Clifton Hill Pottery is a must-discover.
Explore Clifton Hill Pottery at in.cube8r
Shop Clifton Hill Ceramics
Follow Gordon on Instagram: @cliftonhillpottery