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American '50s, '60s Studio Pottery Still Affordable
By Anne Gilbert
It is still possible to begin a collection of American
studio pottery from the 1950s and '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. At the December John Toomey auction
in Oak Park, Ill., 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, a 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.
The
mid-century pieces are quite different than the art pottery movement that began
in the United States in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1871 and evolved and grew through
the Art Deco period. Pieces from the 1950s and '60s were a reflection of each
artist's 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
1950s and '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.
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, whose work was influenced by her
world travels and her association with such important potters as the Natzlers,
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 at the many mid-century and Modernism
shows held around the country. There are many pieces waiting to be
discovered.
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Pillin vase, bulbous shape.
Scheier vase, bulbous footed form with insizing. (Photos, courtesy John
Toomey Gallery, Oak Park, Ill.)
Cabat vase, brown clay body
covered with turquoise matt glaze. |
