A much-loved Cooks Hill gallery celebrating ceramic artistry and local creatives

Tucked within the leafy, heritage-lined streets of Cooks Hill sits one of Newcastle’s quiet creative treasures: Back to Back Galleries, home to the long-established Newcastle Studio Potters Inc. 

A hub for ceramic excellence, and local artistry, the gallery has spent decades nurturing the region’s vibrant arts scene.

The story of Back to Back Galleries begins with the purchase of the former Back’s Butcher Shop in 1973 by the Newcastle Ceramics Group.

With a vision to create a dedicated space for ceramic artists, the group spent years fundraising, hosting exhibitions and community events to bring the dream to life. 

Their efforts paid off in 1992 with the official opening of the Back to Back and Back Room Galleries.

Since the launch the group has evolved into the Newcastle Studio Potters Inc., growing its membership and re-naming the much-loved premises as Back to Back Galleries. 

Today, the organisation proudly supports more than 70 members ranging from emerging creatives to established ceramicists, offering opportunities to exhibit, develop their craft, and connect with like-minded makers.

Back to Back Galleries features a dynamic main exhibition gallery, available for hire by local and regional artists. While the focus remains on high-quality ceramics, exhibitions also showcase sculpture, mixed media, and other art forms, all reflective of the region’s growing artistic diversity. 

L-R: L-R. Marian Marcatili, Denise Spalding, Lynette Passeri

A new exhibition is unveiled every three weeks, drawing inspiration from artists across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, the Hunter Valley, and occasionally from interstate or abroad.

Alongside the main gallery is The Gallery Shop, previously known as the Back Room Gallery. This dedicated space offers members a place to present and sell their beautifully crafted pottery, giving visitors the chance to take home a piece of locally made artistry.

At the rear of the building, a well-equipped studio provides facilities for kiln firings, workshops, meetings, and guest lectures. The space continues the organisation’s long-held commitment to education and technical excellence, supporting everyone from beginners discovering clay for the first time to seasoned ceramic artists refining their skills.

If you're needing any more reasons to visit this beautiful gallery why not drop into the Xmas Takeaway, happening from December 5 - 21, it's the perfect time to pick up a one-of-a-kind Christmas gift for that someone who appreciates hand crafted goods, locally made. 

More than just a gallery, Back to Back Galleries remains a cornerstone of Newcastle’s creative community, a space built on history, sustained by passion, and enriched by the artists who continue to shape its story.