The Arts & Crafts of Newcomb Pottery

Josephine Louise Newcomb founded Newcomb College in 1886 in memory of her daughter Sophie, who died of diphtheria at age 15. Affiliated with Tulane University in New Orleans, it was the first degree-granting coordinate college for women in America. Newcomb’s art program was progressive for its time, offering female artists educational and employment opportunities that were otherwise hard to find. While the Newcomb Art School provided courses in a variety of artistic subjects – metalwork, jewelry making, embroidery, wood carving, even bookbinding – it was best known for its pottery, which won prizes at eight international expositions between 1900 and 1915. Filled with many photos, this gorgeous book gives a comprehensive overview of Newcomb arts and crafts, which primarily featured nature motifs and lovely muted colors. Examples of Newcomb pieces are found in the National Museum of American History and in the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum.