Kirkland Museum
American Modern Dinnerware, designed by Russel Wright, at the Kirkland Museum. The colour palette is outstanding and stood the test of time.
I went to Denver to visit my mom for Mother’s Day. While there, I visited The Kirkland , a museum focused on design and decorative arts. It’s my second time there. This time I paid special attention to all the ceramic works. It’s quite the treasure trove. One collection really captured my attention was the American Modern Dinnerware designed by Russel Wright. The colour palette was stunning and looks contemporary and stands up to the test of time. The original design was created in 1937-38. The forms were organic and abstract but very inviting. The water pitcher was especially unique with the elegant spout and opening. Imagine having these artful objects on your table for everyday use. Got me thinking about how people craved having artful tableware, tracing back to the 17th Century European porcelain craze. It’s an undervalued art form.
Appreciating form and function
A quick search will lead you to various images of Wright’s designs. This particular shot was from Khan Academy. You can read up on the design movement. Key highlight that resonates well today is: Good design is for everyone. The American Modern Dinnerware line was mass produced by Steubenville Pottery Co., based in Steubenville, Ohio. It closed down in the late 1950’s. Chances are you might come across a piece in rummage sale or thrift store today. It’s also a sign that they are well made and lasted the test of time.
Oneida later revived the line and reproduced the collection in early 2000’s. Take a look at the potter’s stamp on the bottom and you’ll be able to tell which era your piece is from.
Other works from Steubenville Pottery Co. Another notable, and well-known ceramic designer is Eva Zeisel. The Kirkland has a lovely collection of her work as well. Steubenville did not produce Zeisel’s work but I find the aesthetics similar.
Side Quest
So, what’s a visit to a museum with out checking out the gift shop… While I was at The Kirkland, I did just that. At the gift shop there was all this Star Trek merch. Including a TNG tarot card deck! It’s pretty awesome, if you happen to like tarot and Star Trek. Pretty niche demographic but it’s a thing. (Check out my post about making ceramic tarot boxes.) As I deliberate whether to buy the deck… the woman at the shop asked me if I had any questions. So I said, yeah, what’s up with all the Star Trek stuff? She replies, oh you know, it was the 4th. 🧐 so I said, like May 4th? She says, yeah, exactly… I said but that’s Star WARS. She looks at me intensely and replies: Yes!
Side Side Quest
So if you fall under the TNG + Tarot lover demo… you must be dying to know more about the deck. Here’s a video that does a detail flip through of the deck. The Major Arcana are especially well assigned. Lots of obvious ones while some neat surprises. If you think about it more critically, tarot is based on archetypes as are the Star Trek stories. Maybe there’s a deeper connection after all. Or maybe you already have this deck? If so, leave me a comment and let me know what you think!