NEHMA | Collection

Laura Andreson

American
(1902–1999)

Bowl
1970

Earthenware
2.75 x 9.375 x 9.375 in.
Museum Permanent Collection
1984.969

One of the most influential potters on the West Coast, Laura Andreson is known for her organic forms, experimental glazes, mastery of porcelain, and prolific teaching career. Born in San Bernadino, California, she began working with clay in the education department at the University of California, Los Angeles while pursuing a degree in teaching. After graduating, UCLA invited her to establish one of the first academic ceramics programs on the West Coast in 1933. Andreson led the ceramics department—training hundreds of students—until her retirement in 1970.

Though Bowl comes late in Andreson’s career, it exhibits many of her key innovations. Knowledge of ceramics production and technology were scarce in California when Andreson began teaching. She embraced the technical knowledge of potters within the community of southern California and encouraged an ethos of experimentation among her students in their approach to glazes, clay bodies, and techniques. Preferring to work with locally sourced clays, Bowl is the product of decades of experimentation with low-fired earthenware clays that could carry colorful vibrant glazes. Andreson was well-known for this red glaze and developed many vibrant colors that became associated with West Coast ceramics in the twentieth century.

Matthew Limb

Keywords
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red

Exhibition List

This object was included in the following exhibitions: