Historic Columbia Foundation debuts exhibit on ceramics in 19th-century Columbia

On July 26, Historic Columbia Foundation will debut From Landrum to Leeds: Common Ceramics in 19th-Century Columbia, a new exhibit highlighting examples of the Foundation’s collection of locally made and used ceramics. The exhibit will be on display at the Robert Mills House through January 31.

The exhibit draws on HCF’s growing collection of locally made and imported ceramics, including various dining, cooking and storage wares common in 19th-century Columbia, S.C. In addition to Edgefield pottery and a variety of imported English ceramics, exhibit highlights include examples from the Landrum-Stork pottery, which was located in what is today Forest Acres.

From Landrum to Leeds is shown as part of the regularly scheduled guided tours of the Robert Mills House. Ceramics are highlighted in a focus gallery and displayed in period-appropriate settings throughout the house.

Tours run at the top of the hour Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (last tour starts at 3 p.m.) and Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m. (last tour starts at 4 p.m.). Free for HCF members, tours are $6 for non-member adults and $3 for non-member youth. Tickets can be purchased at the Gift Shop at Robert Mills, 1616 Blanding Street.

HCF’s Second Sunday Roll in August will focus on ceramics as well. John Sherrer, Historic Columbia Foundation’s director of cultural resources, will lead this tour exploring the ceramics interests of 19th-century Columbians. Starting with a guided tour of From Landrum to Leeds, participants will then travel by bus to Forest Acres to see the former location of the Landrum-Stork pottery. Other stops include Main Street, where locals purchased a variety of domestically produced and imported wares for their homes and businesses during the 1800s. The Sunday Roll takes place Aug. 11 at 2 p.m.

For more information about the exhibit and the tour, visit Historic Columbia Foundation’s website.

Images
Above: blue shell platter. Made in Leeds and other English manufacturing centers, shell-edge style dishes, serving platters and other forms were popular among residents of Columbia and Richland County. Right: alkaline-glazed stoneware storage jug. Landrum-Stork pottery is a local expression of the alkaline-glazed tradition made famous in Edgefield, S.C.

About Historic Columbia Foundation
In November 1961, a small group of individuals intent on saving the Ainsley Hall House from demolition officially incorporated as the Historic Columbia Foundation. Over the next five decades the organization, which was founded on the premise of preservation and education, would take on the stewardship of seven historic properties in Richland County. Today, the organization serves as a model for local preservation efforts and interpretation of local history.

Via: Historic Columbia Foundatin