The production of Newcomb Pottery spans several decorative styles. Early Newcomb objects reveal the influence of art nouveau decoration, featuring delicate, lilting vegetal and curvilinear designs. Later Newcomb designs took a more abstract, experimental approach. A huge portion of Newcomb Pottery produced at the height of the Newcomb enterprise, however, adapts an arts and crafts aesthetic. These designs featured bold colors with defined outlines of symmetrical and repeating motifs crafted from nature, but simplified to be more dynamic and striking. They are some of the most desired and collected of Newcomb objects–including by LSU MOA–and the most representative of a distinguishable Newcomb style.
The arts and crafts movement was prevalent mainly in Britain and the U.S., and was derived in opposition to the industrialization of Britain. Feeling that the “craftsman” was being replaced by the machine, leaving objects without human connection, design philosophers like John Ruskin and William Morris developed the arts and crafts philosophy. Under their somewhat utopian ideas, objects should be useful and affordable, but also beautiful and reflect the personal touch of a craftsperson. These objects would uplift the maker and the owner.
Through the adaptation of this philosophy, the aesthetic style of the arts and crafts movement emerged, particularly in architecture and the decorative arts. Much work following arts and crafts ideals was inspired by nature, including the core of William Morris’ designs. Natural subjects seemed appropriate, as the direct opposite of industrial life. For Newcomb artists, this meant designing from the New Orleans landscape, and many of the forms adapted to Newcomb designs feature plants native to Louisiana.
With the popularity of Newcomb designs in Louisiana and throughout the U.S., much scholarship exists on the history of the enterprise, which includes identification of specific plants on many objects. While gathering research for an upcoming gallery guide, LSUMOA staff compared the adaptation of plants in Louisiana by Newcomb artists to the actual plants in their natural habitat.
Newcomb In Real Life Scavenger Hunt:
Look for these plants in your yard or on our next walk–you will be surprised how many Newcomb subjects are even weeds and wildflowers!
Written by LSU MOA Curatorial Assistant, Olivia Johnson