214 
KERAMIC STUDIO 
NEWCOMB POTTERY. 
NEWCOMB pottery is a manufacture conducted in the in- 
terest of artistic handicraft, which originated in the art 
department of Newcomb College of New Orleans. 
For a number of years the efforts of this department 
were directed towards the education of art teachers and the 
advancement of aesthetic culture, but On account of the general 
absence throughout the South of manufactures which call for 
artistic skill, it became apparent that this work could not 
become widely useful until there should arise a demand for 
the work of the artist such as would justify the study of art 
as a means of gaining a livelihood for those not desirous of 
entering the profession of teaching. In view of this situation 
the college undertook to find a practical solution of the diffi- 
culty. A manufacture of pottery was established under the 
direct management of its art department. 
After a brief experimental period a large number of 
young women were educated for the work, for whom an 
artistic vocation would otherwise have been impracticable. 
These are now employed in an industry which affords them 
both profit and reputation. 
From the first the enterprise has been controlled by a de- 
sire to create a style of ware which should challenge attention 
by its originality and beauty of design, and make itself neces- 
sary in all collections of American pottery by reason of its 
individuality or unique charm. To this end the rich and 
beautiful flora of the South has been a resource well nigh ex- 
clusive since few art schools in the far South have given at- 
tention to applied design as a study. Each worker in the 
craft is led to feel that the responsibility attaching to a signed 
design is the same as that which exists in the case of a signed 
picture and individual reputation may be gained by this as by 
other means of art expression. The increasing favor which 
is being shown towards the enterprise has confirmed the college 
in its belief in the possibilities for art education practically 
directed. A medal was awarded the collection of pottery 
sent to Paris in 1900 and again at the Pan-American Exposi- 
tion at Buffalo. The Newcomb Pottery has become an estab- 
lished institution, destined, it is believed, to hold a worthy 
place in the field of American Art. 
The instructor in design is Miss Mary Sherer. Mr. 
Joseph Meyer is the potter and is responsible for the turning, 
compounding of glazes, etc., and firing. He has done splendid 
work and the college feels that much of its success is due to 
him. Ellsworth Woodward is director. 
