Pewabic Pottery

Infobox_nrhp | name =Pewabic Pottery
nrhp_type =nhl

---

caption =
location= Detroit, Michigan
lat_degrees = 42
lat_minutes = 21
lat_seconds = 40.92
lat_direction = N
long_degrees = 82
long_minutes = 58
long_seconds = 54.02
long_direction = W
locmapin = Michigan
area =
built =1908
architect= Stratton,William B.; Baldwin,Frank D.
architecture= Tudor Revival, Other
designated = December 04 1991cite web|url=http://tps.cr.nps.gov/nhl/detail.cfm?ResourceId=1110&ResourceType=Building
title=Pewabic Pottery |accessdate=2008-06-27|work=National Historic Landmark summary listing|publisher=National Park Service]
added = September 03, 1971
governing_body = State
refnum=71000430cite web|url=http://www.nr.nps.gov/|title=National Register Information System|date=2007-01-23|work=National Register of Historic Places|publisher=National Park Service]

Pewabic Pottery is a studio and school located in Detroit, Michigan and founded in 1903. The studio is known for its iridescent glazes, some of which grace notable buildings such as the Shedd Aquarium, and some of which are on display at notable galleries such as the Louvre. The pottery continues in operation today and is a National Historic Landmark.

Origin and history

The pottery was founded in 1903 by the artist and teacher Mary Chase Perry Stratton and Horace James Caulkins, her partner [ [http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/detroit/d5.htm National Park Service designation of Pewabic Pottery as National Historic Landmark] ] Caulkins was considered a high-heat and kiln specialist, and developed the "Revelation kiln". Mary Perry Stratton was "the artistic and marketing force." [ [http://www.ur.umich.edu/0304/Mar01_04/20.shtml Historian chronicles historic pottery.] ] The collaboration of two and their blend of art and technology gave the pottery its distinctive qualities as Detroit's contribution to the International Arts and Crafts movement. [ [http://www.marshallfredericks.com/?m=200708 Brunk, Thomas W., Ph.D., Curator on Pewabic Pottery history and exhibit at Marshall Fredericks Museum.] ]

The word Pewabic is derived from the Ojibwa (or Chippewa) word for the color of copper metal (or perhaps the clay from which copper came) and specifically referring to the "Pewabic" Upper Peninsula copper mine where Ms. Stratton walked with her father. It refers to the unusual irridescent glaze covering the pottery and tiles created in a manner outlined by the International Arts and Crafts Movement. [ [http://info.detnews.com/history/story/index.cfm?id=23&category=life Nolan, Jenny, "Pewabic tile, Detroit's art treasure" Detroit News.] ] [ [http://www.si.umich.edu/chico/Pewabic/cover.html "Painting With Fire: Pewabic Vessels in the Margaret Watson Parker Collection" (University of Michigan Art Museum).] ] "Compare", [ [http://www.michigan.gov/documents/hal_mhc_mhm_pewabic-tiles_03-10-2004_92006_7.pdf Child's history of Pewabic Pottery and Mary Stratton--Michigan Historical Museum.] ]

In 1991, Pewabic Pottery was designated as a National Historic Landmark. "See also", List of National Historic Landmarks in Michigan. As Michigan's only historic pottery, the center continues to operate in a 1907 Tudor Revival building as a non-profit educational institution. They offer classes in ceramics, hold exhibitions, sell pottery made in house and offer design and fabrication services.

The museum's exhibits focus on the company's role in the history of Detroit, the Arts & Crafts movement in America and the development of ceramic art. The galleries also showcase new works by modern ceramic artists.

Famous works

Pewabic Pottery produces many kinds of hand made decorative objects. They are part of the collections of the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Freer Gallery of Art [ [http://www.craftinamerica.org/artists_clay/story_245.php?PHPSESSID=754e74e881ef94a39eee3df0a761c95b Craft in America, Mary Chase Perry Stratton.] ] and the Louvre in Paris. [ [http://info.detnews.com/history/story/index.cfm?id=23&category=life Nolan, Jenny, "Pewabic tile, Detroit's art treasure". Detroit News.] ] Examples abound in the "External Links" hereafter.

Architectural pieces have been a staple in Pewabic's history. Under Mary Stratton's leadership, Pewabic Pottery created lamps, vessels, and architectural tiles. They were known for their iridescent (like an oil slick with an incredible translucent quality and a phantasmagoric depth of color) glazes. Architectural tiles were used in aquaria, churches, concert halls, fountains, libraries, museums, schools and public buildings. The studio's work graces numerous edifices throughout Michigan and the rest of the United States. Noteworthy examples include the Nebraska State Capitol building in Lincoln, the Herald Square in New York, Science Building at Rice University in Houston, Texas [ [http://cgi.ebay.com/Pewabic-Pottery-Detroit-1995-Harbortown-RARE_W0QQitemZ170168048886QQihZ007QQcategoryZ4232QQcmdZViewItem Commentary on Pewabic Pottery.] ] , and the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. Illinois. [ [http://www.craftinamerica.org/artists_clay/story_245.php?PHPSESSID=754e74e881ef94a39eee3df0a761c95b Craft in America, Mary Chase Perry Stratton.] ] Detailed maps of public installations in the Detroit Metropolitan Area and the U.S.A. are available. [ [http://www.pewabic.com/tile-installations.htm See, maps and detailed lists of U.S. and Detroit metropolitan area architectural installations of Pewabic Pottery, Pewabic Pottery home page.] ] "See" "Architectural tile" "infra".

Particularly notable was her work at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., consisting of arches outlined with iridescent Pewabic tile, huge ceramic medallions set in the ceiling, and fourteen Stations of the Cross for the crypt. [ [http://info.detnews.com/history/story/index.cfm?id=23&category=life Nolan, Jenny, "Pewabic tile, Detroit's art treasure". Detroit News.] ]

Architectural tile

Pewabic tile was (and continues to be) in great demand in Detroit and the southeastern Michigan area for the use in buildings and it can be found in many of the area's finest structures. [ [http://www.pewabic.com/tile-installations.htm Maps and detailed lists of U.S. and Detroit metropolitan area architectural installations of Pewabic Pottery, Pewabic Pottery home page.] ] These include:

* Belle Isle Aquarium, Belle Isle Park Detroit, Michigan (now closed after 101 years in service) [ [http://www.belleisleaquarium.com/events/2005/palmer_woods_resolution_020905.htm Friends of Belle Isle Aquarium (FOBIA), including a virtual tour of the aquarium.] ]
* Buhl Building, Detroit, Michigan
* Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Detroit, Michigan [ [http://www.pewabic.com/map_culturalcenter.htm Map and list of Detroit cultural center installations] ]
* Charles Lang Freer House, 71 East Ferry Avenue (Current name: Palmer, Merrill, Institute of Human Development & Family Life) Detroit, Michigan [ [http://www.ci.detroit.mi.us/historic/districts/freer_hse.pdf City of Detroit Planning and Development Department on Charles Lang Freer house.] ]
* Christ Church, Cranbrook, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
* Compuware World Headquarters, Detroit, Michigan
* Cowles House (a/k/a Alice B. Cowles house, formerly known as Faculty Row House Number 7 and presently the Michigan State University President's home), East Lansing, Michigan
* Cranbrook School, many facilities [ [http://www.pewabic.com/map_cranbrook.htm Map and list of Cranbrook area installations] ]
* Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit, Michigan (loggia) [ [http://www.pewabic.com/map_culturalcenter.htm Map and list of Detroit cultural center installations] ]
* Detroit People Mover many stations, Detroit, Michigan [ [http://www.pewabic.com/map_peoplemover.htm Map and list of People Mover architectural installations] ] [ [http://www.pewabic.com/tile-murals.htm Picture of People Mover Station, Pewabic Pottery home page] ]
* Detroit Public Library Children's Room, Detroit, Michigan [ [http://www.michigan.gov/documents/hal_mhc_mhm_pewabic-tiles_03-10-2004_92006_7.pdf Child's history of Pewabic Pottery and Mary Stratton--Michigan Historical Museum.] ] [ [http://www.pewabic.com/map_culturalcenter.htm Map and list of Detroit cultural center installations] ]
* Detroit Zoological Park, Royal Oak, Michigan
* Edward H. McNamara Terminal, Northwest Airlines, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, Romulus, Michigan [ [http://cgi.ebay.com/Pewabic-Pottery-Detroit-1995-Harbortown-RARE_W0QQitemZ170168048886QQihZ007QQcategoryZ4232QQcmdZViewItem Commentary on Pewabic Pottery.] ]
* English Inn (formerly Medovue Manor), Eaton Rapids, Michigan built in 1927 for Oldsmobile President Irving Jacob Reuter [ [http://www.englishinn.com/History.htm English Inn history page] ]
* Father Solanus Casey Center, Detroit, Michigan [ [http://www.solanuscenter.org/ Solanus Casey Center home page.] ] [ [http://www.pewabic.com/tile-murals.htm Picture of Solanus Casey installation, Pewabic Pottery home page.] ]
* Fisher Building, Detroit, Michigan
* Guardian Building, Detroit, Michigan. [ [http://info.detnews.com/history/story/index.cfm?id=23&category=life Nolan, Jenny, "Pewabic tile, Detroit's art treasure" Detroit News.] ]
* Harper House, 1408 Cambridge Drive, East Lansing, Michigan [ [http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:0bnThCigzwYJ:artmuseum.msu.edu/home/press_releases/Pewabic_Press_Release.doc+Pewabic+Harper+House,+1408+Cambridge+Drive,+East+Lansing,+Michigan&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=us Harper House description] ]
* Henry Ford Museum, Dearborn, Michigan
* Hill Auditorium, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
* Kedzie North, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
* Kirk in the Hills, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
* Maude Priest School, Detroit, Michigan [ [http://www.pewabic.com/tile-murals.htm Picture Maude Priest School, Pewabic Pottery home page] ]
* Michigan Historical Museum, Lansing, Michigan [ "See" [http://www.michigan.gov/documents/hal_mhc_mhm_pewabic-tiles_03-10-2004_92006_7.pdf] ]
* Michigan League, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan [ [http://www.ur.umich.edu/0304/Mar01_04/20.shtml Historian chronicles story of Pewabic Pottery.] ]
* Michigan Union, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan [ [http://www.ur.umich.edu/0304/Mar01_04/20.shtml Historian chronicles story of Pewabic Pottery.] ]
* Michigan State University Memorial Chapel, East Lansing, Michigan
* Michigan State University Union Women's Lounge (fireplace), East Lansing, Michigan
* National Theater, Monroe and Farmer, Detroit, Michigan (facade, 1911) [ [http://www.pewabic.com/map_detroit.htm List and map of Detroit Metro area installations] ]
* North Kedzie Hall, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
* Oakland Family Services, Pontiac, Michigan [ [http://www.pewabic.com/donor-walls.htm Picture, Oakland Family Services donor wall, Pewabic Pottery home page.] ]
* Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Detroit, Michigan
* Scott Fountain, Belle Isle Park, Detroit, Michigan, 1922 [ [http://www.pewabic.com/map_detroit.htm List and maps of Detroit metro installations] ]
* Shaw Hall, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
* Southfield Public Library, Southfield, Michigan
* Stephen M. Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
* Wayne State University David Adamany Undergraduate Library, 5155 Gullen Mall Detroit, MI 48202-3962 [ [http://www.pewabic.com/tile-murals.htm Picture, David Adamany Library installation Pewabic Pottery home page.] ] [ [http://www.pewabic.com/map_culturalcenter.htm Map and list of Detroit cultural center installations] ]
* Wayne State University Merrill Palmer Institute, Detroit, Michigan [ [http://www.pewabic.com/donor-walls.htm Picture, wall murat at Merrill Palmer Institute, Pewabic Pottery home page.] ] [ [http://www.pewabic.com/map_culturalcenter.htm Map and list of Detroit cultural center installations] ]
* Wayne State University, Old Main, Previously, Detroit Central High School, 4841 Cass Detroit, MI 48201 [ [http://www.pewabic.com/tile-murals.htm Picture, David Adamany Library installation Pewabic Pottery home page.] ] [ [http://www.pewabic.com/map_culturalcenter.htm Map and list of Detroit cultural center installations] ]
* Women's City Club now Detroit Police Academy, Elizabeth and Park, Detroit, Michigan

Bibliography and Further Reading

* Barrie, Dennis; Jeanie Huntley Bentley; Cynthia Newman Helms; Mary Chris Rospond, "Artists in Michigan: 1900-1976". (Wayne State University Press, Detroit 1989). ISBN 0814319076.

* Brunk, Thomas W. "Ceramics in Michigan, 1886-1906" in "The Arts and Crafts Movement in Michigan: 1886-1906". (Detroit, The Pewabic Society, Inc., 1986). ISBN 0937885002

* Brunk, Colby, Jacobs et al, "Arts and Crafts in Detroit 1906-1976: The Movement, The Society, The School". (Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit MI 1976).

* Brunk, Thomas W., with Introduction by Marilyn L. Wheaton, Marshall Fredericks Sculpture Museum Exhibition Catalog, June 1 through September 29, 2007, Essay on Pewabic Pottery. [ [http://www.svsu.edu/mfsm/zcart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=21 Product page for Exhibition Catalogue] ] [ [http://www.marshallfredericks.com/?m=200708/ Brunk, Thomas W., Ph.D., Curator on Pewabic Pottery history and exhibit at Marshall Fredericks Museum.] ]

* Colby, Joy Hakanson, "Art and a City: A History of the Detroit Society of Arts and Crafts". (Wayne State University Press, Detroit MI, 1956). ISBN 0686879872.

* Fisher, Marcy Heller and illustrated by Marjorie Hecht Simon, "Fired Magic: Detroit's Pewabic Pottery Treasure". (Wayne State University Press, 2003). ISBN 0-8143-3143-2.

* Gibson, Arthur Hopkin, "Artists of Early Michigan: A Biographical Dictionary of Artists Native to or Active in Michigan, 1701-1900". Wayne State University Press, Detroit, 1975. ISBN 0814315283.

* Hill, Eric J., and John Gallagher, "AIA Detroit: The American Institute of Architects Guide to Architecture in Detroit". (Wayne State University Press, Detroit, MI 2003). ISBN 0-8143-3120-3.

* Karlson, Norman, "The Encyclopedia of American Art Tiles, Volume 2, Region 3: Midwestern States". (Schiffer Publishing Ltd., 2005). ISBN 0764322311 ISBN 978-0764322310.

* Pear, Lillian Myers, "The Pewabic Pottery: A History of its Products and its People". (Des Moines, Iowa, Wallace-Homestead: 1976). ISBN 0870691589.

* Rago, David, Suzanne Sliker, and David Rudd, "The Arts & Crafts Collector's Guide". (Salt Lake City, Utah , Gibbs Smith, 2005). ISBN 1586850520.

* Savage, Rebecca Binno and Greg Kowalski. "Art Deco in Detroit (Images of America)". (Arcadia, 2004). ISBN 0-7385-3228-2.

ee also

* Arts and Crafts Movement

* Ceramic tile

* Pottery

* Studio pottery

Notes

External links

* [http://www.michigan.gov/documents/hal_mhc_mhm_pewabic-tiles_03-10-2004_92006_7.pdf Child's history of Pewabic Pottery and Mary Stratton--Michigan Historical Museum]
* [http://www.craftinamerica.org/artists_clay/story_245.php?PHPSESSID=754e74e881ef94a39eee3df0a761c95b Craft in America, Mary Chase Perry Stratton]
* [http://www.si.umich.edu/chico/Pewabic/readings.html List of Selected Readings on Pewabic Pottery]
* [http://www.pewabic.com/tile-installations.htm Maps and detailed lists of locations (including addresses, dates of installations, precis of accessibility) of architectural installations of Pewabic Tile]
* [http://www.marshallfredericks.com/?m=200708 Marshall Fredericks Sculpture Museum Exhibition Catalog, June 1 through September 29, 2007, Essay on Pewabic Pottery, its importance, and the partnership between Caulkins and Stratton (Archive August, 2007)]
* Painting With Fire: Pewabic Vessels in the Margaret Watson Parker Collection, University of Michigan Museum of Art. [http://www.si.umich.edu/chico/Pewabic/cover.html]
* [http://www.pewabic.com Pewabic Pottery]
* [http://www.modeldmedia.com/features/pewabic11207.aspx Pewabic Pottery Virtual Tour]