vase, The Van Briggle Art Pottery

Exhibition Label: "Quilts: A Thread of Modernism," Aug-2005, Debra Thimmesch and Barbara Brackman Maria Longworth Nichols founded Rookwood Pottery in 1880. American art pottery, still in its infancy, flourished at the turn-of-the-century due to enterprises like Rookwood, Gates Potteries, Grueby Faience Company, Van Briggle Pottery, and numerous others. At Rookwood, designers absorbed contemporary stylistic trends such as Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco and in turn produced art pottery until the late 1940s. Archive Label 2001: The Van Briggle Art Pottery was founded by Artus Van Briggle (1869-1904), who had worked at Rookwood and also studied painting in Paris. The factory was continued after his death by his wife Anne and is still active today. Their wares are known for a sculptural approach to the vessel itself and the use of modelled plant forms and matte glazes, both demonstrated here.