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Following in William Morris's Footsteps
By Bobbie Bagel
March/April 2019
 Pewabic Calla Lily vase in blue glaze |
 Ephraim Pottery three-handled vase |
 "Cherry Blossoms" by Yoshiko Yamamoto in a Dard Hunter frame |
 Nesting birds card by Yamamoto |
Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.
You are probably familiar with this advice from William Morris, the leader of the British Arts and Crafts movement. His simple philosophy guides us in our merchandise choices at the Marston House Museum Shop, in the Marstons' former carriage house.
Our excellent selection of art pottery reflects this approach. When you purchase a piece of Pewabic pottery, for instance, you are also getting a piece of American history. It is the oldest continuously operating ceramic studio in the nation. Founded by Mary Chase Perry Stratton in 1903, Pewabic still operates out of its original building, now on the National Register of Historic Places, in Detroit, Michigan. Stratton was known for developing unique iridescent glazes and directed the studio until her death at age 94 in 1961. Today, Pewabic operates as a non-profit, with a major educational component as well as the commercial enterprise.
We have many Pewabic pieces to choose from. One lovely example that would be at home in a bungalow or amid traditional decor, for example, is the graceful Calla Lily vase, which measures 11.5 inches tall and 6 inches wide. It is available in two glazes, the classic Pewabic Blue or Mist, for $195.
Another impressive studio is Ephraim Pottery, working in the Arts and Crafts style. Founded in 1996 in Wisconsin, this work is highly collectible. Each hand-made piece is stamped on the bottom with three makers' marks, representing the potter, the sculptor, and the glazer. The year the piece was created appears in roman numerals under the Ephraim logo. The studio policy is to retire pieces from the collection on a regular basis, so when you buy an Ephraim vase, you are getting a documented limited edition.
Ephraim makes a striking three-handled vase, standing just over 11 inches tall and 5.75 inches wide. It features three sculpted tree limbs equally spaced around the top, twisting down to the shoulder and forming rustic handles. A pair of pine cones, accented by long pine needles, extend the design nearly to the base. Priced at $325, this vase is clearly a collector's showpiece, or a handsome addition to any Arts and Crafts interior.
Graphic works by the Arts and Crafts Press include beautiful block prints and cards by Yoshiko Yamamoto, whose studio is in Washington state. The signed, limited edition piece called "Cherry Blossoms" is from her Wisdom of Trees series. When paired with a handmade frame by Dard Hunter, you have a work of art, ready to hang, for $275. The frame is made of quarter-sawn white oak, using the mortise and tenon technique with a Craftsman oak finish. Hunter is the grandson and namesake of the renowned Arts and Crafts designer and papermaker Dard Hunter (1883-1966). He works out of his grandfather's original Mountain House studio in Chillicothe, Ohio.
For far less, you can still savor the pleasures of fine design. Yamamoto's notecards sell for $3.95 each. And a set of 24 bookplates designed by graphic artist William S. Rice costs $12.95. Think back to the days before e-books, audio books, and blogs. The bookplate was the polite way to keep track of your personal library. Sets were often custom-designed to reflect the reader's interests. The "Owls and Magnolias" image reflects Rice's love of the outdoors and his observations as a naturalist, totally in harmony with Craftsman style aesthetics and thinking.
Also in keeping with the nature theme, we have a wonderful selection of attractive scarves depicting a variety of birds, such as chickadees, hummingbirds, starlings, and more. These voile scarves are made of a fine soft and sheer fabric, perfect for spring. Rectangular in shape, they are about 72" long and 24" wide. Priced at $22, they make a striking fashion accessory for many occasions.
Spring is a magical time to visit the Marston House Museum & Gardens, 3525 Seventh Avenue. We hope this glimpse into the carefully curated merchandise at the Museum Shop will entice you to come in and see all that we have to offer, including home and garden items, jewelry, and books. Please keep in mind that sales proceeds go toward restoration of the Marston House. Remember too, SOHO members receive a 10% discount.
 Ginkgo tree card
by Yamamoto |
 Bookplates by William S. Rice |
 Voile scarves featuring birds, in the Marston House Museum Shop. Photo by Bobbie Bagel |
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