Description
1970's Peter Deneen Studio Pottery Ashtray. Really nice ashtray to use for whatever you want from the 70's or 80's. 5" wide x 2 1/8" tall.
Peter Deneen began his lifelong journey with ceramics while studying pottery at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. During this period he also began attending Marguerite Wildenhain’s Pond Farm School (located in northern California) in 1968. Peter went on to earn his M.A. from the University of Iowa in 1971.
Inspired By Art & History
During this time, Peter caught the inspirational fire of the Bauhaus movement of Walter Gropius in Post World War I Germany. The main thrust of the Bauhaus “was to create an environment which would nurture the bond between art, industry and trade through education; to insure the cooperation of industry and artists in the field of mass production.”
ESTABLISHING DENEEN POTTERY
In 1972, Peter and Mary Deneen established their first studio and showroom at Park Square Court in the Lowertown neighborhood of St. Paul. Here they began producing hand thrown functional and decorative pottery and dinnerware.
“Form follows function,” was embedded within their work through the teachings from Marguerite Wildenhain, recalling the Bauhaus lessons she learned from Gerhard Marcks. It was during this time that Mary started to produce more commemorative items and ceramic figures, while launching a “Bear Essentials” line.
White Picture corner top leftWhite Picture corner top rightWhite Picture corner bottom leftWhite Picture corner bottom rightEarly Days of Deneen Pottery
1974
PARK SQUARE COURT IN LOWERTOWN
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“The Spin of a potter’s wheel brings prosperity, unfettered life-style.”
This was the title of the article that ran in a local St. Paul publication around 1974. “Peter Deneen sits at his potter’s wheel, fingers fashioning burnt-cinnamon clay into pots and plates, goblets and candle-holders, tall, corked canisters and small spice bottles.”
At this time, the Deneens wanted to open retail outlets similar to Pottery Barn, but make all of the products at their Lowertown studio. A favorite quote (of the current office) staff has Peter saying. “We’ll never be more than a handful of people. I’d never get larger than three stores,” says Peter.” “Don’t say ‘never,'” interjects Mary.” Wow, how the path has deviated from the plans made in 1974!
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