Newcomb College Pottery
Active 1895-1940

In 1894 young faculty from the H. Sophie Newcomb Memorial College established a vocational training program for young women artists. The goal was to provide employment for graduates when there were few work opportunities for women. The studio business produced some 70,000 pieces designed by approximately 90 women artists between 1895 and 1940.

Women were always the designers; men were always the potters. No two pieces are exactly alike. Nature-oriented motifs, often depicting local flora, were carved into the pottery, that was then finished with a matte glaze. Early pieces were monochromatic with dominant colors of blues and greens made popular by Grueby. Later pieces added strong cobalt blue and even pinks and rose colors. Each unique piece was reviewed by the art faculty before its release.

For many years Newcomb Pottery was considered the archetypal wedding present in New Orleans. It is exceedingly collectible. A four-color Newcomb pottery vase sold in 1996 for $29,700; few Newcomb pieces are valued less than $1000.