Potter Brooke Clunie practices her craft in her Fernleigh gallery/workshop, as Helen Wilson discovers.
Those of us who live and travel on Fernleigh Road watched with interest last year as a new building was erected close to the road at number 444, opposite the school. It is a split level design finished with great care. All was revealed when the sign went up just before Christmas - Red Door Studio Pottery – but it is much 
more than simply a studio; it is a contemporary gallery with the wares tantalizingly displayed on the upper level. On the lower level visitors can see the potter, Brooke Clunie, at work with all the tools of her trade, including the wheel and kiln.
Brooke makes tea sets and coffee mugs, bowls and serving platters in earthenware clay which is decorated with her distinctive style of colourful and whimsical imagery. Her porcelain range is, by contrast, more subtle in design with softer tones of glaze, colour and finely thrown shapes. All her work is made on the wheel. “Working from such a great space in this locality with a beautiful outlook is both inspiring and motivating,” she says.
She was born and raised in Lismore and during her school years realised she had an enthusiasm for working with clay. After graduating from Sydney University with a degree in Classical Archaeology she travelled overseas, like many young Australians. Whilst in London she ran a successful pottery studio at Camden Market before returning to Australia and establishing The Red Door Studio in Sydney in 1994.
Brooke specialises in personalised commissions for weddings and birthdays, creating pieces much cherished by families both in Australia and worldwide. She also accepts corporate orders for a local and international clientele.
Brooke and her partner, Brett, returned to the Northern Rivers in 2007. They grow coffee and finger limes 
on their 40-acre property. Their Red Door Coffee is hand picked and naturally processed and sundried. Farm gate sales of the coffee are also available at the Studio.
Brooke’s pottery may also be found at Barebones Artspace in Bangalow, or check her website: www.brookeclunie.com
