Search the collections

Fullscreen

James Nares: <em>Street</em>

James Nares: Street
(00:02:17) 17673 views

The Roof Garden Commission: Imran Qureshi

The Roof Garden Commission: Imran Qureshi
(00:01:17) 1073 views

Related Content

American Modern

American Modern

American Modern

American Modern

American Modern

American Modern

American Modern

American Modern

American Modern

American Modern

Browse current and upcoming exhibitions and events.

Exhibitions:

Events:

Events:

"American Modern" Dinnerware

Russel Wright  (American, Lebanon, Ohio 1904–1976 New York)

Manufacturer:
Steubenville Pottery Company (Steubenville, Ohio)
Date:
1937
Medium:
Glazed earthenware
Dimensions:
a: H. 10-5/8, W. 8-1/2, D. 6-5/8 in.; b-c: H. 4-7/8, W. 10, D. 6-3/4 in.; d-e: H. 6-3/4, W. 8-1/4, D. 6 in.; f: H. 2-1/2, W. 9, D. 6-1/2 in.; g: H. 1, W. 10-7/8, D. 6-1/4 in.; h: H. 1-1/4, W. 13-1/4, D. 3-5/8 in.; i-j: (each) H. 2-1/8, Diam. 2-1/8 in.
Classification:
Ceramics
Credit Line:
John C. Waddell Collection, Gift of John C. Waddell, 2002
Accession Number:
2002.585.17a–j

This artwork is currently on display in Gallery 912

  • Description

    The biomorphic forms and softly vibrant color palette of Wright's American Modern service, made of sturdy and inexpensive earthenware, made it one of the most popular ceramic services ever created. The highly sculptural forms of some the pieces in this service, including the teardrop-shaped pitcher with elongated spout, were unlike any other products on the market. Wright promoted the service in novel ways, including offering a starter set of twelve pieces, to which consumers could add over time as their budget and lifestyle dictated. American Modern also came in six interchangeable colors, increasing consumer flexibility in assembling their services. As the best-selling ceramic service ever, Wright's dinnerware proved to be an especially successful example of the Good Design movement, which sought to make well-designed, modern goods available to consumers at every price point.

  • Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

    Inscription: Incised marks on bottoms: Russel Wright [in script]/MFG BY/ STEUBENVILLE/USA. (a,b,g,h have full marks; d lacks USA; c,e,f,i,j are unmarked)

  • Exhibition History

    Newport Beach, California: Orange County Museum of Art, May 25 - August 19, 2001. Flint, Michigan: Flint Institute of Arts, September 14 - December 16, 2001. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, January 11 - April 7, 2002. Charlotte, North Carolina: Mint Museum of Craft and Design, May 3 - July 28, 2002. Tulsa, Oklahoma: The Philbrook Museum of Art, August 23 - November 17, 2002. ¦American Modern¦.

    New York, New York: MMA, May 16, 2000 - February 4, 2001. ¦American Modern, 1925-1940: Design for a New Age¦.

  • References

    Eidelberg, Martin (ed.) Design, 1935-1965: What Modern Was. New York: Le Musée des Arts Décoratifs de Montréal in association with Harry N. Abrams, Inc., 1991. P. 36

    Hennessey, William J. Russel Wright, American Designer. Cambridge, MA; The MIT Press, 1983. Pp. 37-46.

    Johnson, J. Stewart. American Modern, 1925-1940: Design for a New Age. New York: Harry N. Abrams, Inc., in association with the American Federation of Arts, 2000. Pp. 158, 176.

    Miller, R. Craig Modern Design, 1890-1900, in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Harry N. Abrams, Inc., 1990. P. 144.

    Rudoe, Judy. Decorative Arts, 1850-1950: A Catalogue of the British Museum Collection. London: British Museum Press, 1991. Pp. 126, color plate XVI.

  • See also
    Who
    What
    Where
    When
    In the Museum
    Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History
210011466

Close