American Art Pottery: The Robert A. Ellison Jr. Collection Published by the Metropolitan Museum of Art

In the last year or two, I have referenced the Robert A. Ellison Jr. Collection of American art pottery and utilitarian red earthenware many times, which is kept at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan. Much of this collection is on display in the museum's Americana Wing.

The Ellison Collection demonstrates types of production that are rare to find anywhere else today, and it includes a wide variety of wares that range from decorative objects to reproduction Grecian style wares. Mr. Ellison's interest in decorative Grecian pottery is especially intriguing since so little has been published about this type of production, and it was a style of pottery created by more American manufacturers than what is recognized today.

The MET wrote in 2009, "Outstanding works from every major American pottery and many lesser-known but historically significant potteries are featured in the collection. The objects range in size from miniature vessels a few inches tall to plaques, lamps, and large-scale vases measuring more than two feet in height. The primary catalyst in the development of the American art pottery movement was the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition (although some company's wares predate 1876), which introduced the American public to ceramics of the highest quality from Europe and Asia. This influence continued until 1956, when the California potter Peter Voulkos (1924-2002) altered traditional wheel-thrown vessels into sculpture-like shapes, ushering in the era of contemporary ceramics."

The MET also just published a book about this collection, titled, American Art Pottery: The Robert A. Ellison Jr. Collection. It is my feeling that this is the most important book published on the subject of American art pottery in the last seventy-five to 100 years. And I was surprised earlier this week when I finally went to buy a copy to learn that the MET was sold out, and it does not appear that they have any intention on republishing it. Although, luckily I found a brand new copy online with a small markup, but I would recommend that anyone who has an interest in this material to search out a copy sooner than later.

American Art Pottery: The Robert A. Ellison Jr. Collection

 My Niece Holding the Book, American Art Pottery: The Robert A. Ellison Jr. Collection

Published by the Metropolitan Museum of Art

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American Art Pottery: The Robert A. Ellison Jr. Collection

Published by the Metropolitan Museum of Art
See Article for More Information

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