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 Five: April 18, at 1:00 PM EDT via Zoom
Sèvres, Art Pottery, and the Making of Doat

Taxile Doat was a force. Remarkably talented as a draftsman and equally comfortable with the chemistry and experimentation required for ceramic innovation, he rose quickly through the ranks to become the premiere artist at Sevres. Along the way he gained admirers in France and abroad–his works were widely known throughout Europe and even sought by American buyers in the late 1880s–but also detractors. His decision to publish what many considered the trade secrets of Sevres (first in Keramic Studio and later as Grand Feu Ceramics) would lead to his dismissal from the firm and his eventual move to the United States, lured there by the promise of a fabulous salary and untarnished admiration.

In this session we’ll explore the rise and making of Doat. From his work at Sevres, to that from his own kiln, including the more than 170 pieces he saved from this part of his career. These are of particular importance as he agreed to bring them to St. Louis, sell them to Edward Lewis, and for the start of a museum the likes of which (he claimed) was previously unknown in the United States or abroad.

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.