In this work, Wellington artist Roy Cowan combined his skills as a painter with those of the potter, depicting the streets, houses and harbour of Wellington on a tall, hand-painted pot. Cowan specialised in the design and operation of pottery kilns and experimented with the different physical characteristics of clays from different regions of New Zealand.

Presented by Her Excellency Dame Catherine Tizard, Governor General with a handwritten gold edged card which reads:
'Roy Cowan Pot was presented to the citizens of Wellington by H.E. Dame Catherine Tizard G.C.M.G., G.C.V.O., D.B.E., Governor General of New Zealand, 18 March 1996'

This painted pot has typically resided in the office of the Mayor of Wellington.