Join us for “University City Ceramics: A Fresh Look,” a six-part online lecture series!

Led by SMCF Executive Director Jonathan Clancy, Ph.D., this series explores Edward Gardner Lewis’ ambitious University City Ceramics project and the pioneering artists he brought together, including Taxile Doat, Adelaide Alsop Robineau, and Frederick Hurten Rhead. Though the project was short-lived, it became a remarkable moment in American ceramics history and helped shape the future of ceramics education.

Session Three: March 28, at 1:00 PM EDT via Zoom
America’s favorite Englishman: Frederick Hurten Rhead

Preternaturally talented and–if his surviving correspondence is any indication–amongst the most decent people one could hope to meet, Frederick Hurten Rhead was an important part of the University City program. Surprisingly (with the benefit of hindsight) he lacked the star power of the Robineau and Doat, despite the high regard with which he is held today. Unlike either of the masters, Rhead was expected to split his time between teaching and creating objects that would bolster the reputation of University City.

Rhead brought an exceptional level of professional knowledge to University City, and his text was among the most important guides for early ceramists looking to understand process. It served almost as a practical counterpoint to Doat’s Grand Feu Ceramics, a reliable guide that walked one through the steps of making pots and even featured photographs. Rhead’s work at University City–from his Peacock tiles, to fireplaces, to vases–was amongst the most innovative and progressive pottery created in America during the Arts and Crafts period.

A La Carte
Member Price: $30 / session
Non-Member Price: $35 / session

Full Course
Member Price: All 6 sessions for $150 (one session free)
Non-Member Price: All 6 sessions for $210

Registration is required. Once registered and paid, you will receive an email prior to each session with a link to join.

Do you have a scheduling conflict for the live session? You can still enjoy the program. Register and we’ll send you the recording! All paid attendees will be emailed a private link to the session recording when it is available, typically 6-7 days after the live program.

Missed us? You can also register retroactively. If you register for a session that has passed, you’ll receive access to the recording when it is ready.

Haven’t tried a session yet? Each session is planned as a “stand-alone” lecture, so you can take them all or attend the topics that interest you most.