NMP RECEIVES WELDON POTTERY COLLECTION CAPTION

Last 30 May 2025, the National Museum of the Philippines received the Kevin Weldon Earthenware Pottery collection in a turnover ceremony at the Philippine Consulate in Sydney, Australia. 

The collection comprises 17 pieces of earthenware pottery that are 1,500 to 2,000 years old, most of which are of Filipino origin. Also included in the donation is a frame of two undated photos of Mr. Weldon with the late President Ferdinand Marcos, Sr., and then National Museum anthropology chief, Dr. Robert Fox.

The NMP was represented by Director-General Jeremy Barns, Deputy Director-General for Museums Jorell Legaspi, and Dr. Mary Jane Louise Bolunia, curator of the Archaeology Division, who also delivered a lecture on Philippine archaeology.

“It’s something for cultural workers both in the Philippines and Australia to celebrate,”  Director-General Barns said. “May this donation unearth knowledge for the better understanding of our history, and inspire others to be stewards of our heritage.”

The collection was donated by Cecille, Leonie, and Harold Weldon of the Weldon family and is believed to have been given to the late Kevin Ernest Weldon, an Australian book publisher and philanthropist. 

This historic turnover underscores the enduring ties between the Philippines and Australia and highlights our shared commitment to preserving and celebrating cultural heritage.

Our sincerest gratitude to the Philippine Embassy in Canberra, led by Ambassador Antonio A. Morales, Office of Cultural Diplomacy Assistant Secretary Celia Anna M. Feria, and Philippine Consul-General in Sydney, Charmaine Rowena C. Aviquivil, for their invaluable assistance in facilitating the return of this significant collection.

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