American Ceramics 1884-1972

As one of a series of projects celebrating SDMA's 80th anniversary, American Ceramics 1884-1972 showcases rarely seen works from the Museum's significant collection of American ceramics—shaped by founding director Reginald Poland and the generosity of many important donors—as well as loans from public and private collections in the region. American Ceramics demonstrates the depth of the Museum's holdings in this area with outstanding examples from a number of key firms associated with the American Art Pottery movement, such as Rookwood, Newcomb, Grueby, and Van Briggle, as well as from the eccentric Biloxi potter, George E. Ohr.

As shown in the exhibition, Poland acquired many significant pieces from the Arts & Crafts movement, as well as well-known studio potters spanning the years 1884-1972. Among the early acquisitions from this era are pieces by Glen Lukens, Gertrud and Otto Natzler, Laura Andreson, and Beatrice Wood.

The exhibition's special focus on local products includes the Torrey Pines Tile, as well as several rare examples from the Valentien Pottery, which illustrate the collaboration between Albert R. Valentien and his wife, Anna Marie Bookprinter Valentien.

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