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Discover Mid-America - February 2008
American ‘50s, ‘60s studio
pottery still affordable
It is still possible to begin a collection of American studio pottery from the ‘50s, ‘60s at relatively modest prices. Some of the top names are becoming more familiar to collectors of furniture and glass from the mid-century. Potters such as Mary and Edwin Scheier, Polia Pillin, Gertrud and Otto Natzler and Beatrice Wood have had a following for some time yet for the most part can sell for under a thousand dollars at auction. More unique items have fetched several thousand dollars.
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| Pillin vase, bulbous shape. (photos courtesy of the John Toomey Gallery, Oak Park, IL) |
At the December John Toomey auction in Oak Park, IL, an unusual vase with the painted design of a woman and birds, signed Pillin sold for $425, a Beatrice Wood bowl, an attribution, sold over estimate for $1,200.
Another well-known American studio potter, Rose Cabat, was represented at the auction. A beginning collector could have purchased a small bowl for $425. At a May auction, an Scheier vase with interesting incised figures and fish fetched $900.
Much of the collector appeal is that each piece is a one-of-a-kind showing the varied techniques of the artists.
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| Cabat vase, brown clay body covered with turquoise matt glaze |
The mid-century pieces are quite different than the art pottery movement that began in the United States in Cincinnati, OH in 1871, and evolved and grew through the Art Deco period. The ‘50s, ‘60s pieces were a reflection of each artists “philosophy” be it Zen or Abstract Expressionism, popular in the mid-‘50s.
In the early 1950s many potters , along with furniture and glass designers, were influenced by the currently popular Scandinavian influence.
The Schierers were known for their geometric designs incised into their pottery. Often their designs were abstract or they used biblical themes in a primitive and linear graphic style.
CLUES
There are several ways to approach collecting in this category. While there were many studio potters working in the ‘50s, ‘60s, not all are top quality. Important are the textural quality of their glazes and the shapes. For instance, Gertrud and Otto Natzler are known for the textural quality of many of their glazes. Multi-decorating techniques, such as incising, can add to the value.
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| Scheier vase, bulbous Footed form with incising. |
Coming to auction more often, with good prices, are the California potters who worked in the same time frame. Among the important studio potters is Laura Andreson, who work was influenced by her world travels and her association with such important potters as the Natzlers, and Vivika and Otto Heino. Another important California studio potter is Beatrice Wood. However, they shouldn’t be confused with the inexpensive and mass-produced pieces that were sold in gift shops and souvenir shops.
It’s a good idea to get a hands-on experience and they many mid-century and Modernism shows held around the country. There are many pieces waiting to be discovered.
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