RUSSEL WRIGHT (1904-1976)

One of America's most inventive artist/designers. "Wright's unique contribution to mid-century modernism embraced American traditions of practicality and simplicity, as well as new materials and technologies. Drawing on sources as diverse as Colonial America, Surrealist art, and Frank Lloyd Wright, Russel Wright forged an American vocabulary of form and function, and more than any other designer, shifted the nation's taste toward the modern beginning in the late 1920s." - Donald Albrecht, Curator of "Russel Wright: Creating American Lifestyles", Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum, Smithsonian Institution.

Perhaps Wright's most inventive creation, his line of pottery for the J.A. Bauer Pottery Company was a creative tour de force and a commercial disaster which was produced for less than a year. Wright was intrigued by the idea of machine-made objects that seemed to be handcrafted. The bold contours, variegated surfaces and thick multiple glazes together comprise an important milestone in commercial pottery.

For more information on Wright visit Manitoga/The Russel Wright Design Center.

Corsage Vase

Thick volcanic glaze, 5" tall, circa 1946

Bulb Bowl

Very heavy bowl, unusual glaze with beautiful tapering colors interior, 3-3/4 x 8", circa 1946

Pillow Vase

Mottled volcanic glaze, several hairline fractures on one side, 8-1/2" tall, circa 1946

Pinched Bowl

Volcanic glaze, 6-1/2 x 4-1/2", circa 1946

Oval Vase

Heavy and imposing, 12" tall, circa 1946