LEVY, Colin Eric

LEVY, Colin Eric
04 Oct 1933
27 Jul 2026
Colin Eric Levy passed away peacefully on Monday, 27 July 2026, aged 92.

Born in Chatswood on the 4th of October 1933, Colin spent his early years in Tamworth in the bush, where he developed a lifelong love of swimming, hockey and the Australian landscape that would later inspire his work.

In 1956, he studied pottery at the National Art School in Sydney. Two years later, he was apprenticed to renowned potter Ivan McMeekin at the Sturt Pottery Workshop in Mittagong. Colin trained as an industrial arts teacher and taught for many years in high schools across New South Wales. The 1960s marked the defining decade of Colin's life.

Professionally, he became a pioneer of contemporary Australian ceramics, creating works from Australian materials inspired by the traditions of the Song dynasty China and Japanese tea ceremony wares. His distinctive pieces are now held in museums and collections across Australia and throughout the world. He was regarded as one of Australia’s greatest living treasures.

His greatest achievements, however, were not confined to the pottery studio. During that same decade, he welcomed his three sons, Kalad, Donyu and Rikyu, who remain his proudest legacy.

To all who knew him, Col was a leader in Australian ceramics, a devoted family man, and, as he would no doubt have preferred to be remembered, "the bastard from the bush."

Col was the beloved son of Alice and Lance (both deceased), and much-loved brother of Don (deceased). He was the dearly loved partner of Maureen, husband of Margaret (deceased). Loving father to Kalad, Donyu and Rikyu. Cherished father-in-law of Ya-Lan and Peta. Treasured grandfather and YeiYei of Arianna, Raeya, Kandis, Cameron and Bradley. Adored great grandfather to Bonnie and Layla.

Though his hands are now at rest, Col’s spirit lives on through the family he adored, the art he created, and the memories shared by all who were fortunate to know him. He will be deeply missed beyond words, now and forever.