Erudite and generous, Singleton (Singo to most) was for many years advisor to the CAGHM collections committee. Singleton knew a thing or two about art – it’s history and the making of it - and wanted to contribute what he could to the growth of the town’s wonderful art museum. Barry was born in Ballarat where he studied art at the Ballarat School of Mines and received a Diploma of Sculpture from Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in 1959. He gained further qualifications in teaching and went on to teach art in regional Victoria, settling in Castlemaine in 1967. He taught art at Castlemaine Technical College for many years and was head of its art department. Barry loved teaching and inspired many students to pursue their interests in whatever they were, but most notably in art.

Singleton was establishing his own ceramics studio which at that time attracted many other artists to the area and he took part in numerous group exhibitions. His work by this time was functional clay sculpture – pottery. In a quest to understand the medium and the art form, in 1976 he travelled to Japan where he studied with master potter Yasu Ogawara. His understanding of materials and techniques expanded, as did his appreciation of the mysteries and complexities of the artform.

Barry Singleton’s work – he referred to it as his pots – can be seen in regional galleries in Shepparton, Ballarat, Bendigo, Sale. His work is represented in private collections in Castlemaine, Melbourne and Internationally. A great communicator, Singleton was invited to speak bout ceramics across the world. He will be greatly missed.