A new Library exhibition, American Arts and Crafts Ceramics, features beautiful examples of craftsmanship from the 19th and early 20th-century Arts and Crafts Movement. Showcasing examples of Rookwood and Fulper pottery, as well as Steuben and Loetz glassware, the exhibition is curated by Museum Studies graduate student intern Frances Williams, who worked with the University Art Collection this past spring semester. These works are part of the University’s teaching collections through the generosity of donors James and Janet Sale, local residents who have made generous contributions to the University Art Collection and its fine prints collection for many years. The Sales became friendly with the former Curator of Prints, Rev. Joseph A. Haller, S.J., while Mr. Sale served as President of the Washington Print Club.
In 2008, Mr. Sale gave a presentation at Georgetown on print collecting during Reunion Weekend; during a related visit to the Sales’ home, Art Curator LuLen Walker noticed a plethora of beautiful ceramics displayed along shelves built high on their walls. Soon thereafter, the Sales decided to offer a fabulous piece of Rookwood pottery to the Art Collection: a 1913 landscape plaque by Lorinda Epply. The piece served as a lovely complement to some of Georgetown’s contemporaneous American prints. Additional pieces were donated in subsequent years, including six stunning art glass vessels.
The exhibition can be seen in the Booth Family Center for Special Collections between 9-5 M-F through October; those who can’t visit in person can view the exhibition online.