1960s Robert Maxwell "Critter" Form, Figure 11, Happy Accidents, Mid-Century Decor, Stoneware, Ceramic Object, Woodland Creature
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1960s Robert Maxwell, Woodland Critter Figure 11, Mid-Century Decor, Stoneware Decorative Object
Stoneware, Clay
1960 Robert Maxwell - California, USA
According to the Maxwell website, this in-mold mark identifies it as an early animal produced before he started dating his pieces, to the 1960s. Signed on the bottom, this little guy appears to be Beastie #11.
Robert Maxwell is probably best-known for the imaginative stoneware animal sculptures he produced in the 1960s in Venice, California. But he is much more than that. He is an accomplished potter who can and does produce just about any form on the potter’s wheel. The animal sculptures that many collectors fondly refer to as “critters” or “beasties” came about in graduate school as a “happy accident.” When a wheel-thrown vase didn’t work out, Maxwell employed his fertile imagination and sense of humor and transformed a misstep into an animal—an animal the likes of which had never been seen before. These critters soon multiplied and eventually became a signature style, one that continues to fascinate the many collectors of his work.
Prior to national marketing, the Maxwell's had to sell and distribute the product themselves and only within a limited geographic area. Because Robert had a pilot’s license, some of the early ware was delivered to its destination by plane and for a time he became known as the “flying potter.” His one-of-a-kind pieces were marketed through some of the finer stores in the country such as Gumps, Bloomingdales and Neiman Marcus. It is interesting to note that Maxwell’s Venice business was located directly across from the distinguished Charles & Ray Eames design studio. It was the Eames’ success with mass-produced modernist furnishings that helped pave the way for acceptance of the pots produced by Maxwell and others as proper accessories for the modern home. In 1964, a little book called U Name It was published that showcased Maxwell’s offbeat sense of humor. It pictured his unusual animal sculptures in various arrangements along with humorous captions. The potter even appeared on the Steve Allen TV show to promote the book and present his curious creations to a wider audience.
Length: 5"
Width: 3 1/2"
Height: 1 1/2"
No chips or cracks, in great condition. Please see photos
visit the shop:
Vintanthromodern, 895 Whalley Ave, New Haven, CT 06515
_____________________
www.vintanthromodern.com
instagram: vintanthromodern
1960s Robert Maxwell, Woodland Critter Figure 11, Mid-Century Decor, Stoneware Decorative Object
Stoneware, Clay
1960 Robert Maxwell - California, USA
According to the Maxwell website, this in-mold mark identifies it as an early animal produced before he started dating his pieces, to the 1960s. Signed on the bottom, this little guy appears to be Beastie #11.
Robert Maxwell is probably best-known for the imaginative stoneware animal sculptures he produced in the 1960s in Venice, California. But he is much more than that. He is an accomplished potter who can and does produce just about any form on the potter’s wheel. The animal sculptures that many collectors fondly refer to as “critters” or “beasties” came about in graduate school as a “happy accident.” When a wheel-thrown vase didn’t work out, Maxwell employed his fertile imagination and sense of humor and transformed a misstep into an animal—an animal the likes of which had never been seen before. These critters soon multiplied and eventually became a signature style, one that continues to fascinate the many collectors of his work.
Prior to national marketing, the Maxwell's had to sell and distribute the product themselves and only within a limited geographic area. Because Robert had a pilot’s license, some of the early ware was delivered to its destination by plane and for a time he became known as the “flying potter.” His one-of-a-kind pieces were marketed through some of the finer stores in the country such as Gumps, Bloomingdales and Neiman Marcus. It is interesting to note that Maxwell’s Venice business was located directly across from the distinguished Charles & Ray Eames design studio. It was the Eames’ success with mass-produced modernist furnishings that helped pave the way for acceptance of the pots produced by Maxwell and others as proper accessories for the modern home. In 1964, a little book called U Name It was published that showcased Maxwell’s offbeat sense of humor. It pictured his unusual animal sculptures in various arrangements along with humorous captions. The potter even appeared on the Steve Allen TV show to promote the book and present his curious creations to a wider audience.
Length: 5"
Width: 3 1/2"
Height: 1 1/2"
No chips or cracks, in great condition. Please see photos
visit the shop:
Vintanthromodern, 895 Whalley Ave, New Haven, CT 06515
_____________________
www.vintanthromodern.com
instagram: vintanthromodern
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