Overbeck Pottery

In 1911, four sisters established the Overbeck Pottery in their home in Cambridge City, Indiana. They believed that "borrowed art is bad art" and sought to create a unique body of work. They used their surroundings as source material and also included a variety of design influences including Art Nouveau and Art Deco designs. Their work, which included porcelain, red and buff earthenware, and charming figurines, was especially noted for its subtle hues in matte glaze as well as brilliant turquoise and heliotrope in bright glazes. Their work won awards at national and international exhibitions held in Paris, Chicago, New York, Syracuse, Baltimore, St. Louis, Detroit, and in Indiana on a regular basis. They received a gold medal (ck?) at the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition in San Francisco.

The pottery was all hand made on the potter's wheel or hand built by coiling and pinching. The wheel-made pieces generally have a smooth surface--the hand-built an uneven surface in which dim finger marks may be seen. Each piece was specially designed and never duplicated--both shape and decoration being unique. The glazes were developed by Elizabeth. They did not share the formulas. They made every effort to harmonize the decoration perfectly with the form decorated. One of the sisters noted that their "work has been experimental, but it is at least as original as possible. Whatever its merits or demerits, it is a thoroughly American product."

The sisters involved with the pottery included:

Margaret (1863-1911)

The catalyst in establishing the Pottery, she was both teacher and accomplished artist. She studied at the Cincinnati Art Academy, where she trained with Frank Duveneck as well as other well-known artists. She taught art in private schools in Kentucky and Missouri, then DePauw University, before returning home to help create Overbeck Pottery. Sadly, she died just as the operation was getting underway. Her sisters carried on in her memory.

Hannah (1870-1931)

Hannah attended Cincinnati Art Academy and Indiana State University. She was the designer for the Pottery and a perfectionist in sketching and water colors. Her drawings and instructions for decorating porcelain were featured regularly in Keramic Studio, a magazine for china painters. She taught school before returning home in poor health. Though bed-ridden with severe neuritis, she continued to design by having the pencil placed in her fingers. Hannah was listed in the American Arts Annual.

Elizabeth (1875-1936)

Elizabeth was the potter of the operation. She studied with Margaret in early years and later at the College for Ceramics in New York with noted ceramist, Professor Charles Binns. As a teacher and lecturer, Elizabeth exhibited widely, bringing much honor and recognition to the Pottery. She was listed in the American Arts Annual and Who's Who in American Art, and in 1936 was named a Fellow in the American Ceramic Society, the highest honor a ceramist could receive at that time.

Mary Frances (1878-1955)

Mary Frances studied with Margaret and attended the Cincinnati Art Academy, Indiana State University and Columbia University. She taught for a time before joining her sisters in the pottery operation. A talented designer, Mary excelled in a wide range of art. She sold original bookplates, sculpted, and painted in oils and water colors in addition to the vases, pottery and figurines. She was listed in American Arts Annual as well as Who's Who in American Art.

Harriet (1872-1951)

An accomplished musician, Harriet kept house for her sisters during their busiest period.