CONNECT :: Dutch Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

ARTE MODERNE'S RARE COLLECTION FROM THE DUTCH MASTERS

A favorite spot of mine in the Chicago area to scout Mid-century Modern finds is Arte Moderne in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. Proprietors, Willem and Kim, have recently acquired some very rare and significant Dutch Modern ceramics. The Dutch pottery scene of the 1950's and 1960's produced a number of Modernist potters and/or classical potteries "going modern". These ceramics are so fascinating that I had to have a Q&A session with Willem to learn all I could.

Thanks to Arte Moderne for sharing this info and providing photos of this collection!

Bryan: You've mentioned that the four most important names in Modernist Dutch Pottery are Ravelli, Groeneveldt, Westraven and Mobach. What about these four artists/studios makes them significant?

Willem: One more important name would be Zaalberg, but we don't have any of his pieces right now. I think that the significance, other than the obvious, as you stated, "the stuff is fantastic", is in their new post-war generation's approach to innovation and bucking the prevailing, more classical trends in design. The post-war, 1950's build up of Holland brought with it a huge spirit of renewal and openness to innovation and modernism. I see this first hand in my parents, who came out of the war and lived this renewed sense of empowerment and "this is not your father's Oldsmobile" mentality. Our house was full of modern furniture and ceramics, which naturally as a youngster you take for granted but I remember I liked it very much then too. The new ceramists of the mid 20th Century rode the wave of renewal and catered to new trends in building, design and technology.

Bryan: The rare collection of Dutch Modern Ceramics that you have at Arte Moderne is a real find. Could you briefly share the story of how you discovered these treasures?

Willem: It was truly a great experience as the previous owner/collector is an American who spent many years in Amsterdam. He developed a real passion for and knowledge about Dutch Ceramics of this era, and ultimately brought it all over to the States. I "happened" upon him, as Dutchmen seem to "happen" upon each other abroad, and this led to us ultimately acquiring part of his wonderful collection.

Bryan: When talking to you about these ceramics, I can really pick-up on the excitement and passion you have for them. What about these items stirs your blood so much?

Willem: I think much of your answer can already be found in my earlier responses. I think it is a kinship with the culture, the time and what it stood for, and having grown up in, and around it. The look, feel and use of new type of materials, forms and color is clearly unique and keeps fascinating me. It is also great to see how the newest generations of Dutch designers were influenced heavily by these Mid-century artists/craftsmen, and have gained huge, global recognition. I think of the influential Dutch studio of Droog, and designers/artists like Maarten Baas, Jeroen Bechtold, Hella Jongerius, Marcel Wanders, Dorothe van Agthoven, just to name a few and totally doing an injustice to so many new Dutch designers!

Bryan: If PrairieMod readers are interested in learning more about these rare ceramics in your shop, what is the best way for them to get in contact with you?

Willem: Best thing would be to come see it for themselves in our shop at 526 Crescent Blvd. in downtown Glen Ellyn, Illinois.  As much as we like selling our Mid-century design items, we love talking about them as well with like-minded passionate collectors, enthusiasts or simply interested shoppers. We do not sell on-line (yet), but we are open to ship items upon completion of an email transaction and accept PayPal payment. Our email address is: arte-moderne@comcast.net. We can always provide more detailed photos upon request. pm

::Photo Album of Arte Moderne's Dutch Modernist Ceramics

Images courtesy Arte Moderne

UPDATE: As of 6/16/08, the the entire Westraven collection has been sold to a collector. However, if you're still interested in any of the other ceramics, contact Arte Moderne.

Bryan Kelly is a co-founder and contributor to PrairieMod. He lives in a super cool 1970's ranch in West Suburban Chicago. You can email him at bryan@prairiemod.com