Collection Inventory Project at the ZMA
Exciting news! You can now search the collection online to view select sections of the ZMA’s permanent collection.
a new phase of inventory in 2022
Here’s a sneak peek at the finished images from the 2D framed works inventory project! We crop the images several ways, including with the frame.
We also crop works without the frame, showing only the work itself. This is The Hunt by Leslie Cope. This is what you will see for all 2D works when they are uploaded to the online inventory database.
In addition to the Inventory process, the ZMA is upgrading our storage of artworks. First, the old shelving had to be removed to make room the new upcoming cabinetry.
A big thank you to volunteer John Taylor-Lehman and ZMA Facility Technician Fred Orr for helping remove the old shelving.
Once the cabinetry was gone, the space needed to be properly cleaned in preparation for the new storage cabinets.
A small but crucial part of the Inventory process at the ZMA is making pockets to put on the back of 2D framed works. We use acid-free, archival quality glue to adhere the pockets to works. Sometimes the glue applicator doesn’t cooperate!
After the pocket is made, we stick it to the back of the work. Only works that have backing board or other protection get pockets. We never stick pockets directly to the canvas.
The pockets are important to hold and organize any accompanying documents, labels, or notecards with the works. These labels have a lot of information about the work on them.
Each 2D work has an accompanying sheet of coroplast. The coroplast serves two purposes. 1) To protect the artwork, and 2) we put the object IDs and informational stickers on the coroplast to identify the artwork.
Here’s an example of the stickers we use for classifying artworks. The red dot signifies the work is more fragile than normal and should be handled with extra caution. The star sticker indicates that we want a print quality image of the artwork for use in marketing or other media.
Here’s a station where a lot of the magic of inventory happens. It may not look like much, but this is where the information is entered into the database as conditions, dimensions, and more are reported. This is also where we make pockets to go on the back of artworks.
No, this black light is not for finding secret maps in the artworks (although that would be fun). It is to find hidden condition issues such as scratches or dents.
A view of the full photo booth where the magic happens. This is where we place all 2D framed works to be photographed.
An alternate angle of the photo booth to see what’s going on behind the scenes. Good lighting is essential.
Sometimes 2D works need a quick dusting before being photographed. The works need to look their best for the photoshoot!
The fancy tool pictured here is a flashlight designed for locating condition issues. We’re brining out the high-tech equipment for this Collection Inventory!
Every work needs to be carefully placed on the photo stand to be photographed. The works rest safely on the custom made stand.
ZMA education coordinator Misty Johnson entering data into the Collections Database. The information entered here is the information you can see in the online database.
Conditioning works is one of the most important parts of the inventory process. Sometimes a flashlight is needed to find the hard-to-see condition issues.
ZMA facility technician Fred Orr removing old wire from a framed work. We are upgrading the wiring on the backs on framed works to make them easier to put on display.
The process of inventorying 2D framed works involves more than just photographing. Using a flashlight, ZMA collection coordinator Kathryne looks for condition issues and artist signatures on the works.
Each work needs to be measured as well to ensure we have proper dimensions in the online database. We measure both the size of the image, and the size of the frame.
Finally, picture time! Kathryne takes pictures of the front, back, and any signatures on the works.
Lights! Camera! Action! The 2D framed works are all being photographed, inventoried, and catalogued. Soon you will be able to view these works in the online database.
ZMA Staff moved all of the 2D framed works from collection storage up to the Great Gallery to be inventoried and photographed.
The photo booth was specially made to safely hold 2D works. Note the lip on the edge to prevent works from slipping off. Each work is being placed on this booth to be photographed.
The coroplast was used in between the works to prevent them from touching and potentially damaging each other.
Some of the tools we use to conduct the inventory. a flashlight for finding those hard-to-find artist signatures, dusting tools to keep the artworks clean, and a tape measure for taking the dimensions of the works.
Lineups like this one were made all along the walls of the Great Gallery of 2D works ready to be inventoried. A lot of work for this exciting project!
ZMA Staff was working on Pre-Columbian sculptures this week. Here are several pieces stationed on a cart ready to be taken back down to collection storage.
The Pre-Columbian artwork is some of the oldest work in the collection. Each piece needs to be photographed carefully.
After finishing sculpture, ZMA staff prepared the gallery for 2D works. The coroplast will be used to put between each painting. That’s a lot of coroplast!
Week 42, October 4, 2021
Playing in the Surf by Edward Henry Potthast (1857-1927). Learn about this piece in our Minute with a Masterpiece series.
Ralston Thompson (1904-1976) was born in Ironton, OH, and studied art at Wittenberg College, the Dayton Art Institute, the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts, and the Ohio State University. He taught in the art department at Ohio State from 1935 to 1941 and at Wittenberg University from 1941 to 1970. This work is titled Beach Sunday.
Ideal Pasture by Robert S. Duncanson (1821-1872), on view in the ZMA’s Arts of Ohio Gallery.
Week 41, september 20, 2021
This ancient, grinning head sculpture is likely from the Totonac Civilization in what is now Eastern Mexico. Notice the monkey on the figure’s headdress.
This foot sculpture is a votive, which is an object deposited, without the intention of recovery or use, in a sacred place for a religious purpose. It is from Italy’s Etruscan Culture.
A big thank you to Art Official for coming to the ZMA and helping move the larger objects at the museum to be inventoried.
Week 40, september 13, 2021
Meditation by Karl Kappes (1861-1943).
This piece has the unique distinction of being the first piece accessioned into the ZMA collection.
In this piece, Back Street in Toledo, Kappes depicts a newly emerging skyscraper in Toledo. This could be the Art Deco National City Bank building, erected in 1932.
This plate was made by Kettlesprings Kilns (1950-Present) in 1953 and celebrates Ohio’s sesquicentennial anniversary. Zanesville’s Y-Bridge is featured on the plate.
Week 39, september 6, 2021
This painting is titled Spring in France by Abraham George Warshawsky (1883-1962). Like many talented and aspiring artists of his generation, Abel Warshawsky studied at the Cleveland Art Institute and the National Academy of Deisgn in New York before moving abroad to study art in Paris in 1909 at the Academie Julian.
In this piece, Delaware Water Gap, John Jay Barber (1839-1910) depicted not only the countryside's scenic beauty, he also captured a nation undergoing a profound transformation. Notice the railroad lines and massive pillars for a new bridge - both signs of the Transportation Revolution.
A poster by Howard Chandler Christy (1873-1952), Fight or Buy Bonds. Howard Chandler Christy was one of the best-known American illustrators of his time. Images in his distinctive style - often featuring his famous "Christy Girl" - appeared in many National magazines and posters.
Week 38, August 30, 2021
This jardiniere is an example from Roseville Pottery Company's Creamware (Fraternal Societies) line introduced by 1910. This piece is an experimental piece.
Roseville’s Wincraft line was introduced in 1948. This vase features a black panther leaping from a palm tree.
This beautiful vase is from Roseville Pottery Company’s Morning Glory line, a middle-period line. Note how the flower motif appears almost geometric in the shapes.
Week 37, August 23, 2021
An example of Parian ware, bisque porcelain treated as a final product used to imitate marble, this piece depicts famous English playwright William Shakespeare. This particular depiction is fashioned after the statue created for Poet's Corner in Westminster Abbey designed by William Kent and executed by sculptor Peter Scheemakers.
This vase, attributed to Hubrecht Brouwer (Active 1679), is an example of Dutch Delftware, a style imitated to this day, Delftware features blue and white designs created by using a white tin glaze over hand decorated cobalt oxide decoration.
This figurine of a woman holding a bundle of wheat is titled Figure of Summer and was manufactured by Miessen Porcelain Manufactory (1710-Present).
Week 36, August 16, 2021
This vase, an example of Rookwood Pottery Company’s Ivory/Ivory Jewel Porcelain glaze, showcases the talent of pottery decorator Jens Jensen (1895-1978).
This work represents a late-nineteenth-century trend called China painting. Distinct from the commercial pottery decorating done at factories such as Weller, Roseville, and Owens potteries, china painters tended to work from home buying unfinished porcelain ware and decorating it with their own designs. This piece was decorated by Lucy Kate Curran (1866-1940).
This piece is an example of Rookwood Pottery Company’s famous Standard Glaze, which was the standard product line produced by Rookwood during the company's early years. The Standard glaze line received international recognition at the 1889 Universal Exposition in Paris.
Week 35, August 9, 2021
This stunning pillow vase is from Weller Pottery Company’s Sicardo line, designed and decorated by French ceramicist Jacques Sicard (1865-1923).
The Fenton Art Glass Company was founded in 1905 by brothers Frank L. and John W. Fenton in an old glass factory in Martins Ferry, Ohio. Originally, they painted glass blanks from other glass makers, but started making their own glass when they were unable to buy the glass needed. They moved across the Ohio river to Williamstown, West Virginia and built a factory in 1906. The first year for glass production was 1907.
This piece is from Roseville Pottery Company’s Della Robbia line. This line was designed by Frederick Hurten Rhead (1880-1942) and features hand-carved motifs.
Week 34, August 2, 2021
This remarkably well-preserved early Ohio stoneware jug by E.Hall is one of only three known examples that bear both applied and incised decoration. Inscribed "E. Hall Ohio / To Josiah Defenbaugh. Dated 1858," did this remarkable jug commemorate a special event like a wedding?
ZMA Collection Coordinator Kathryne Applegate unwraps a vase as the first step of the inventory process.
Verlys of America (1935-1951) created art glass in Newark, Ohio from 1935 to 1951. Many of the products produced there used molds supplied by Verlys France. Unlike the French Verlys that featured a molded manufacturer's mark, the Verlys of America pieces were hand signed with an engraving pen.
Week 33, july 26, 2021
Weller Pottery Company’s Hudson line features vases decorated with State Flowers. This State Vase is Maryland, the flower is the Black-Eyed Susan, and it was decorated by Hester W. Pillsbury (1862-1951).
This Hudson State Vase depicts Hawthorne Blossoms, the state flower of Missouri. This unusually-shaped vase was decorated by Sarah Reid McLaughlin (1885-?).
This vase is the Tennessee State Flower Vase, the Coneflower. You can view the whole online exhibition of the Hudson State Vases here.
Week 32, july 19, 2021
This beautiful vase from Weller Pottery Company’s Silvertone line was hand decorated by Dorothy England Laughead (1895-1982).
The highly stylized ornate decorations on this vase from Weller’s Clinton line feature a peacock in the forest.
This vase is from Weller’s LaSa line. It doesn’t look like others from this line, that is because it only went through about half of the usual number of firings common for the LaSa line.
Week 31, july 12, 2021
Toshiko Takaezu (1922-2011) studied art at the Honolulu Academy of Arts, the University of Hawaii, and Cranbrook Academy of Art in Michigan.
Takaezu’s work, some of which stands over 6 feet tall, has been exhibited at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the National Museum of Modern Art in Japan, and the Zanesville Museum of Art.
Takaezu’s closed form sculptures are stunning and fascinating. This beautiful piece is a split-top closed form sculpture.
Week 30, june 21, 2021
Ohio-based studio ceramicist Tom Radca is known for making monumental chargers such as this one, Painting with Fire.
Popular ceramicist Toshiko Takaezu (1922-2011) is famous for creating “closed form” pieces, like this one. Takaezu personally gifted many pieces to the Zanesville Museum of Art.
This piece, titled Cooperation, is by studio potter and professor Peter Midgley. Look closely, you can see little figures appearing to “hold” the piece together.
Week 29, june 14, 2021
One of the ZMA’s goals during the Collection Inventory Project is to purchase artwork to strengthen the collection. These new acquisitions, like this piece from Roseville Pottery Company, will be on view when the ZMA reopens for three days, July 7-9.
This piece from Roseville’s Crocus line is another recent acquisition by the ZMA. Come see this piece and all the artwork July 7-9, 10 am to 7 pm.
Welcome Pottery Enthusiasts!
Detail from a Weller Pottery Company Eocean Vase, a new acquisition by the museum. The ZMA will only be open for three days, July 7-9, plan your visit today.
Week 28, june 8, 2021
The Collection Inventory process begins by evaluating each object and looking up its Object ID. Here, ZMA Education Coordinator Misty Johnson is looking at the underside of a piece for the Object ID.
Next, ZMA Collection Coordinator Kathryne Applegate sets up the object at the photo booth to be photographed. She also includes a notecard with the Object ID for reference.
Finally, picture time! Each piece in the ZMA permanent collection is being photographed like this during the Collection Inventory.
Week 27, june 1, 2021
The Brush-McCoy Pottery Company (1911-1925) was founded in 1911 when J.W. McCoy (1848-1914) and George S. Brush (1870-1934) joined forces. This jardiniere is from the Loy-Nel-Art line, named after J.W. McCoy’s three sons, Loyd, Nelson, and Arthur.
This stunning vase is from Brush McCoy Pottery Company’s Blue Bird line. This is an example of an experimental piece.
One of Brush McCoy’s most famous lines, Jetwood was inspired by the scenic landscapes around Roseville, Ohio. A squeeze-bag was used to decorate this candleholder, and the trees appear glossy while the background is matte.
Week 26, May 24, 2021
This stunning figurine was produced by Lenox, Incorporated (1906-2009). Later, Lenox changed their name to Lenox Corporation (1889-2020). Mostly known for high-quality china and dinnerware, Lenox also made porcelain art pottery such as this.
This plate is from an Architects’ Tea Set produced by Lenox, Incorporated (1906-2009). Each piece in this Tea Set features a famous building, such as this one which features Monticello.
Lenox, Incorporated (1906-2009) pieces were the only American porcelain pieces to be displayed at the National Museum of Ceramics in France. Moreover, Lenox’s china became the first china to be used at the White House.
Week 25, May 17, 2021
This Stardust vase is from the Brush Pottery Company (1925-1985), formally the Brush-McCoy Pottery Company (1911-1925), which operated in Roseville, Ohio from 1925 to 1982.
Sculptor Herman Mueller and chemist Karl Langenbeck worked for the American Encaustic Tiling Company (1875-1935), where they helped the company become one of the largest tile manufacturers in the country.
When Herman Mueller and Karl Langenbeck left American Encaustic Tiling Company, they founded the Mosaic Tile Company (1894-1967), which was one of the longest running tile manufacturers in the country.
Week 24, May 10, 2021
Nicodemus Ferro-Stone Ceramics (1941-1990) was founded by former college professor Chester Nicodemus (1901-1990) in Columbus, Ohio in 1941. Most known for bird figurines, Nicodemus used local clay which was high in iron.
The Robinson-Ransbottom Pottery Company (1920-2005) was established in 1920 with the merger of Robinson Clay Product Company (1856-1920) of Akron and the Ransbottom Pottery Company (1900-1920) run by four brothers: Frank, Ed, Johnie, and Mort Ransbottom. The company enjoyed 85 years of producing crocks, tableware, cookie jars, vases, planters, pet feeders, and garden ware.
Rick Wisecarver (1950-2002) was a canvas painter from the Zanesville, Ohio area who began painting on pottery around 1970. Known mostly for Native American subjects, Wisecarver experimented with glazes until he was able to replicate art pottery glazes. Note Wisecarver’s signature in the lower left of this piece.
Week 23, May 3, 2021
Meric Art Studios (1928-1939), formerly West End Pottery, was established in 1928 in East Liverpool, Ohio. The company produced a wide variety of wares inspired by historical pieces and they were often used by jewelry stores and florists for interior decorating. Although only in business a short time, in 1933, East Liverpool's newspaper, "The Evening Review" touted Meric Art Studios as "the largest art ware manufacturers in the East Liverpool district."
The Peters and Reed Pottery Company (1899-1921) was founded in 1899 in Zanesville, Ohio by John D. Peters and Adam Reed. Using local red clay, the company produced both functional and decorative pottery. Well-known decorator and designer Frank Ferrell (1878-1961) began working for Peters and Reed in 1912, where he designed the popular Moss Aztec line.
The Hull Pottery Company (1905-1986), formerly Acme Pottery Company, began in 1905 under the ownership of Addis E. Hull in Crooksville, Ohio. By 1917, the company began producing Art Pottery for stores, and by 1921 the pottery was selling at a high volume. In 1925 the firm is believed to have produced 3 million pieces of pottery. A fire in 1950 burned the Hull Pottery plant to the ground, but by 1952 production had been restored.
Week 22, April 26, 2021
These pieces are from Homer Laughlin China Company’s celebrated Fiesta Ware line. This popular line of dinner ware was designed by Frederick Hurten Rhead in the 1930s.
Camark Pottery (1926-1983), originally Camden Art Tile and Pottery Company, was founded in 1926 in Camden, Arkansas by Zanesville-native Samuel J. Carnes. The company hired well-known Newark, Ohio pottery designer John B. Lessell (1867-1926) to head their new art department. Camark designs were similar to Lessell's work with Ohio Pottery companies, such as Weller Pottery's LaSa line.
The Watt Pottery Company (1922-1965) began producing stoneware jugs and crocks in Crooksville, Ohio in 1922, eventually switching over to ovenware as more homes had electricity and refrigeration. In 1949, they introduced hand-decorated kitchen ware with simple, country patterns.
Week 21, April 19, 2021
In 1955, the Edwin M. Knowles China Company commissioned well-known designer Russel Wright to create an inexpensive and appealing tableware line to sell in discount stores and through mail order forms. Despite Wright's wild success with the American Modern line for the Steubenville Pottery Company, his designs for Knowles did not sell well due to the pale glazes photographing poorly and shapes that were considered too strange by the public at the time.
Le Pere Pottery Company (1936-1961) was located at 1470 Greenwood Avenue in Zanesville, Ohio and founded by Otto Herold, Paul Herold, and Albert Lepper in 1936. Le Pere is best known for delicate, hand-decorated cast wares trimmed with gold and copper lustre. Many of the shapes were designed by Harry P. Moyer (Active at Le Pere 1945-1957) and the glazes were designed by Albert Lepper (Dates Unknown). This small, whimsical figurine was donated to the ZMA from the founder's descendant, Mr. Rodney Herold.
Established in Crooksville, Ohio in 1902, the Crooksville China Company was a producer of decaled dinnerware and kitchenware. Imitative of porcelain, the material was white earthenware widely used for tableware. The company remained in operation until 1959, when competition from Japanese imports and plastic dinnerware manufacturers forced the Crooksville China Company into financial troubles.
Week 20, April 12, 2021
This week, we inventoried the collection of Rookwood Pottery Company. This figurine of St. Francis of Assisi is an example of the Wine Madder glaze. This glaze was one of three glazes the company created during the war years from ingredients that were readily available and not deemed essential to the war effort.
This stein, with an unusual handle, is an example of Rookwood Pottery Company’s Standard Glaze. Given its name because it was the standard product line produced by Rookwood during the company's early years, the Standard line received international recognition at the 1889 Universal Exposition in Paris.
This beautiful vase is an example of Rookwood’s Painted Mat glaze introduced in 1900. This glaze was one of the more time consuming and difficult techniques to master. This vase is hand decorated by Olga Geneva Reed (1873-?).
This blue fan vase is an example of a production piece from Rookwood Pottery Company. It features a high-gloss translucent glaze referred to as both Blue De Roi and Medium blue and was first introduced in 1926.
The glaze on this lamp base is called Limoges, a glaze produced from 1880-1885. Limoges is Rookwood's earliest example of underglaze slip decoration and was strongly influenced by unusual Japanese flora and fauna.
This unique vase is an example of a glaze test vase of different variations of the Rookwood Pottery Company's Vellum glaze, first introduced in 1904. This piece demonstrates how pottery decorators like Edward Timothy Hurley (1869-1950) would experiment with various tints and combinations of the vellum glazes to see how they might appear after the final kiln fire on a white stoneware body.
Week 19, April 5, 2021
This week we began the inventory of the ZMA’s J.B. Owens Pottery Company collection. This twisted vase is from the Utopian line.
This stunning, hand-decorated vase is from J.B. Owens’ Lightweight line, which is similar to Utopian except uses a lighter clay.
Another beautiful example from the Lightweight line, this tankard is also hand decorated by Anna Fulton Best.
Week 18, March 29, 2021
This week we are inventorying the ZMA’s collection of Weller Pottery Company’s Lonhuda line, an early line produced around 1895.
This important piece from Weller Lonhuda was beautifully hand decorated by Anna Fulton Best.
Samuel A. Weller was so impressed with William A. Long’s Lonhuda Pottery that he asked Long to join Weller Pottery Company as the designer of the Lonhuda line.
Week 17, March 22, 2021
This piece is from Weller Pottery Company’s Woodcraft line, these foxes appear to be looking out of a tree trunk.
Detail of a vase from Weller Pottery Company’s popular Eocean line.
The woman in this piece from Weller’s Blue Ware line is dancing in her garden holding grapes.
A piece from Weller’s Chase line, one of the lines inventoried this week at the ZMA.
These two vases are from Weller Pottery Company’s Elberta line. The yellow one is a trial glaze.
ZMA collection coordinator Kathryne Applegate taking photographs at the photo booth during the inventory.
Week 16, March 15, 2021
Pieces from Weller Pottery Company’s LaSa line were challenging and expensive to produce, with each piece needing to be fired six times.
Animals were a popular theme among Weller Pottery Company artists. This sprinkler from the Coppertone line is one of many examples of animals in Weller Pottery.
Yet another example of animals in Weller Pottery, this garden ornament is from the Garden Ware line.
Week 15, March 8, 2021
These bulbous vases are from Weller Pottery Company’s Malvern line, one of the lines inventoried this week.
Weller Pottery Company’s popular Sicardo line is famous for its iridescent purple and green floral decorations.
This wall pocket, from a Weller line appropriately called Woodrose, features a wooden-looking background and roses.
This line from Weller Pottery Company is called Jap Birdimal, because the motifs associated with this line are Japanese figures, birds, and animals. This line was designed by Frederick Hurten Rhead.
This unusual looking flower frog is from Weller’s Lorbeek line, an Art Deco line produced in the 1920s.
An example from Weller’s Brighton line, this flower frog features a blue bird sitting atop a branch-like base.
Week 14, March 1, 2021
We are beginning to inventory the collection of Weller Pottery Company this week. This vase is from the Raceme line.
Weller Pottery Company’s Baldin line, one of the lines inventoried this week.
This vase from Weller’s Kenova line features a square medallion of yellow birds.
The figures in this Weller piece, referred to as the Athens line, are riding a chariot of seahorses.
The glaze on this piece from Weller’s Greenbriar line appears foamy and dripping.
Pieces from Weller’s Parian line features a highly stylized, diamond shape display of flowers.
Week 11, February 15, 2021
Can you believe this vase was hand decorated? This vase is from Roseville Pottery Company’s Rozane Royal line and was hand decorated by Anthony Dunlavy.
This vase, from Roseville Pottery Company’s Earlam line, is a beautiful example of the subtle glaze variations in this middle-period line.
This vase is also from Roseville’s Earlam line. This one-of-a-kind, experimental piece features a highly stylized flower motif applied by hand to vessel's surface. While beautiful, this motif did not go into production.
Week 10, February 8, 2021
This piece is from Roseville Pottery Company’s Majolica (Blended Colors) line, a hand-decorated line that was a staple in the company's production line through around 1916.
A wonderful example from Roseville’s Majolica (Blended Colors) line. Note the cast lion heads.
This vase is from Roseville’s Futura line introduced in 1928. Futura pieces were given nicknames by collectors, this piece is nicknamed “Blue Fan.”
This week we are inventorying Roseville Pottery Company’s Rozane Royal line. Rozane Royal pieces were hand decorated with a variety of motifs.
Also from Roseville Pottery Company’s Futura line, this pink vase is nicknamed “Hexagon Twist.”
Detail of a Rozane Royal line motif. This exceptional line utilizes a technique called Underglaze Slip Painting.
Week 9, February 1, 2021
We are inventorying Roseville Pottery Company’s Donatello line this week. The ZMA has over 150 pieces of Donatello in the collection.
A piece from Roseville Pottery Company’s Topeo line, a middle period line introduced in 1934, one of the lines inventoried this week at the ZMA.
First introduced in 1916, the Donatello line is known for its decorative friezes of Cupid or putti at play. This motif was designed by Harry W. Rhead.
A Walnut Brown vase from Roseville’s Water Lily line. Notice the textured background of this piece.
In this Donatello Jardiniere, the putti is pictured seated playing the lute with Oak trees surrounding.
Roseville’s Windsor line traditionally uses matte glazes. However, this blue trial glaze vase used a glossy glaze.
Week 8, January 25, 2021
A piece from Roseville Pottery Company’s Clemana line, a middle-period line introduced in 1936. Note the detailed background of this piece.
This basket vase is from Roseville Pottery Company’s Bushberry line introduced in 1941. The color pictured here is called Woodland Orange.
Two pieces from Roseville Pottery Company’s Lotus line. These pieces have the same shape, but the gray one has a trial glaze.
The ZMA has over 40 pieces from Roseville’s Bushberry line. Notice the wood textured background.
A piece from Roseville Pottery Company’s Carnelian (Drip) line, one of the lines inventoried this week at the ZMA.
ZMA Office Manager Sotiria Bailey noting Object IDs during the inventory. Each Object ID is written on a notecard for the inventory.
Week 7, January 18, 2021
A piece from Roseville Pottery Company’s Poppy line, a middle-period line.
An bud vase from Roseville Pottery Company’s Pine Cone line, one of the lines inventoried this week.
This piece is from Roseville’s Montacello line, one of the lines inventoried this week at the ZMA.
ZMA Facility Technician Fred Orr taking notes on objects during the inventory.
Although this piece also appears to be from Roseville’s Montacello line, it is actually a copy made in Japan.
An example from Roseville Pottery Company’s Thornapple line, one of the lines inventoried this week.
Week 6
Roseville Pottery Company’s Corinthian line, a middle-period line introduced in 1923, one of the lines completed during the inventory this week.
The Creamware line includes several different smaller lines, including Dutch, Persian, Medallion, and Fraternal Societies, among others. These mugs are from the Fraternal Societies line.
Object IDs for each piece in the collection need to be verified in the museum’s collection database.
The Creamware line was one of the lines inventoried this week. This piece is from the Creamware (Persian) line.
Roseville Pottery Company’s Creamware (Dutch) line, an early line. They used a technique called Applied Decals to apply the images to the pieces.
Roseville Pottery Company’s Columbine line. The colors pictured here are called “Frost Blue” and “Sand Brown.”
Week 5
Both of these pieces may look like Roseville Pottery Company’s Tuscany line, but the yellow one is actually a copy from Red Wing Pottery Company.
Each piece in the collection needs to be assessed for condition issues before being photographed.
Roseville Pottery Company’s Baneda line, one of the lines inventoried this week.
Roseville Pottery Company’s Foxglove line, a late line introduced in 1942. One of the lines inventoried this week.
An example from Roseville Pottery Company’s Crocus line, an early period line. The design is attributed to Frederick Hurten Rhead.
Each piece in the collection has an object ID that needs to be found and verified in the museum’s inventory database.
Week 4
Roseville Pottery Company’s Cherry Blossom line. We use purple paper to indicate trial-glazes and experimental pieces, such as this trial-glaze piece.
ZMA Office Manager Sotiria Bailey verifying object IDs during the first step of the inventory process.
Roseville Pottery Company’s Imperial (Textured) line, a middle-period line, one of the lines inventoried by ZMA staff this week.
Week 3
Staff training and a test run of the inventory process
This week, two teams of ZMA staff, one three-member team working from home and one three-member team working at the ZMA (safely distanced and wearing masks), will run a test of the inventory process. Stay connected with the process this week as we post new images.
ZMA collection coordinator Kathryne Applegate taking photographs of pottery during the inventory.
Condition reporting is a vital part of the American Art Pottery inventory process.
Roseville Pottery Company’s Wincraft line, introduced in 1948, was one of the first lines to be inventoried at the ZMA.
Roseville Pottery Company’s Snowberry line, a late period line introduced in 1947.
Week 2
Assessing the ZMA’s collection of Roseville Pottery Company. Mark Bassett comes to town.
ZMA Art Advisor, art historian, and author Mark Bassett came to the museum to assist staff assess its collection of Roseville Pottery. The museum’s sizable collection of Roseville, which contains more than 100 individual lines, includes a large selection of Futura, Sunflower, and Blackberry among other lines.
Roseville Pottery Company’s Pauleo line. Notice the repair to this piece’s delicate arm.
Roseville Pottery Company’s Raymor Modern Artware line. These examples are referred to as toaster vases.
Roseville Pottery Company’s popular Sunflower line is a a middle period pattern introduced in 1930.
Kathryne Applegate, the ZMA’s collection coordinator, taking notes during the assessment of Roseville.
Cleveland-based author, art historian, and ZMA art advisor Mark Bassett assessing the museum’s Roseville Pottery Futura line.
The ZMA has 154 pieces of Roseville Donatello. Assessing them together allows us to determine which pieces are best.
Week 1
Sorting the American Art Pottery Collection
The first stage of the inventory required staff to bring up the ZMA’s collection of American Art Pottery. Over 2,000+ works of art made in Zanesville, Roseville, and Cincinnati Ohio were brought out of collection storage and sorted in one of the ZMA’s largest galleries by manufacturer and then by line.
Roseville Pottery Company, Two similar shape Falline vases, a middle period line introduced in 1933
Roseville Pottery Company, Creamware (Dutch) line, early twentieth century.
Most pottery is stored in cabinets, we have several boxes of works soon to be sorted and photographed.
“Piggy” Banks, Left : unknown manufacturer, right: early Roseville Pottery Company
Weller Pottery Company, bringing works up from storage and separating them according to lines.
Weller Pottery Company, two Knifewood vases, circa 1918
J. B. Owens Pottery Company, Utopian line tankard, decorated by Anna Fulton Best.
Fred Orr after a day of bringing up art pottery. Staff have been reassigned to tackle this sizable undertaking.
Inventory Planning
Inventory Press Release
Museum staff began planning for a comprehensive a site-wide collection inventory mid-October 2020. The ZMA staff have been reassigned during the ongoing health emergency to conduct this large-scale undertaking.
The pandemic has provided an opportunity for the ZMA to reflect on how we connect with museum members and guests. The museum’s temporarily closure was a difficult decision but will allow the ZMA to create a more accessible collection and more meaningful connections with this community’s history.
Right: Read the press release to learn more about the goals of the inventory
The Collection Inventory Project and other projects at the ZMA are made possible by
The J.W. and M.H. Straker Charitable Foundation
The Taylor-McHenry Memorial Fund
The Cora E. Rogge Memorial Foundation
The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio
Mr. and Mrs. Clay and Alice Graham
