Majolica Mania: Transatlantic Pottery in England and the United States, 1850–1915

While some museums are closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Apollo’s usual weekly pick of exhibitions will include shows at institutions that are currently open as well as digital projects providing virtual access to art and culture.

The second half of the 19th century saw a profusion of flamboyant pottery, spurred by the invention in Britain of ‘majolica’ – a new form of earthenware, which took its cues from the maiolica ceramics of Renaissance Italy but which could be produced on an industrial scale. Eccentric designs and vivid, polychrome glazes abounded on both sides of the Atlantic. The Bard Graduate Center is hosting the first major survey dedicated to ‘Majolica Mania’ this autumn, from 24 September–2 January 2022 – but in the meantime, a version of the exhibition (originally meant to open last year) is available to view online. Explore the exhibition at the BGC’s website.

Preview below | View Apollo’s Art Diary here

Dragon Vase (c. 1876), designed by T. C. Brown-Westhead, manufactured by Moore & Co. Collection of Marilyn and Edward Flower. Photo: Bruce White

Cheese Stand (c. 1872), George Jones. Private collection. Photo: Bruce White

Peacock (shape no. 2045), designed in c. 1875 by Paul Comoléra and manufactured by Minton & Co. The English Collection, Baltimore. Photo: Bruce White