MORRIS & JAMES MANIA
A farewell that became a movement.
When Morris & James announced the closure of New Zealand’s largest and most iconic pottery, the team braced for sadness – but nothing prepared them for what followed. Almost overnight, the Matakana showroom became a pilgrimage site. Customers travelled hours for one last visit, to collect a final piece, or simply to say thank you. Messages poured in, stories were shared, and more than a few tears were shed on the showroom floor.
Behind the scenes, it was intense. The small remaining team were juggling dwindling stock, customer demand, and the emotional task of packing down a decades-old factory. The response – overwhelming, heartfelt, and deeply nostalgic – made it clear that Morris & James had never been just about pottery.
It had become a cultural symbol, woven into homes and memories across generations. People weren’t just buying pots; they were reconnecting with moments in their lives. The nostalgia was palpable, revealing something profound: Morris & James belonged to everyone.
Once the doors finally closed and the dust settled, it became clear that the farewell deserved more than a simple sign-off. What truly stood out during the final weeks were the customer stories – the memories, the connections, and the deeply personal moments people attached to their Morris & James pieces. Those stories were the heart of the mania, and they deserved to be preserved.
That’s why a limited-edition tribute book is now being created: not to retell the pottery’s well-known history, but to honour the thousands of people who made Morris & James part of their homes and lives. It will serve as a communal love letter and a meaningful archive of customer memories, capturing the legacy not just of the pottery, but of the people who kept it alive.
The book will also include a Morris & James production catalogue, creating a definitive record for collectors, admirers, and anyone who has loved a piece in their home.
To share your story or secure a presale copy, visit their website.