Historic Pewabic work in the archival collection closet photographed by Emily Berger
At Pewabic, we often say that our story is still being written each day. Thanks to the generosity of so many friends, artists, families, and collectors, new chapters continue to unfold in new and beautiful ways.
Over the past year, we've been honored to receive several incredible donations to the Pewabic Museum collection. Each piece helps us better understand and share the ongoing legacy of Pewabic Pottery with our community.
These gifts not only preserve important pieces of our history, but they also ensure that our free, year-round exhibition on the second floor of the National Historic Landmark pottery remains vibrant, inspiring, and ever-evolving. We invite you to explore some of our newest acquisitions — each one with its own fascinating story to tell.
As you scroll through the gallery, we encourage you to imagine the hands that made these objects, the lives they have touched, and the journey that brought them back home to Pewabic Pottery. Which piece captures your imagination the most? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
This selection of iridescent vessels was generously donated by Richard J. Bilaitis’ estate photographed by Frances Ma
From the Estate of Richard J. Bilaitis (ca. 1920s–1940s)
A breathtaking selection of early Pewabic pottery has found its way home thanks to the estate of Richard J. Bilaitis — a lifelong artist, educator, and collector. These beautifully preserved pieces offer a glimpse into Pewabic’s early years and the dedication to craftsmanship that built our foundation.
Arts & Crafts Era Gustav Stickley cabinet, courtesy of Bliss Caulkins Clark, photographed by Emily Berger
Stickley Cabinet (ca. 1902) | Donated by Bliss Caulkins Clark
Once belonging to Pewabic co-founder Horace J. Caulkins, this Gustav Stickley cabinet is a truly special piece of Arts & Crafts history. Passed down through the Caulkins family for over a century, it now lives in our museum for all to admire thanks to the generous donation from Bliss Caulkins Clark. Imagine the stories this cabinet could tell if it could talk! It now houses some of Mary Chase Perry Stratton’s earliest iridescent vessels and work by Pewabic artisans of her time, including one of the lovable “Valoni Ponies” handcrafted by Primo Valoni.
Small, ceramic pieces, including an iridescent “Valoni Pony” handcrafted by one of Pewabic’s earliest artisans, Primo Valoni, photographed by Frances Ma
Primo Valoni in Pewabic’s kiln room, ca. 1969, from Pewabic's Archives
Tile doubles from the Guardian Building, located in Downtown Detroit on display as part of Pewabic’s current exhibition entitled “Pewabic: Detroit’s Pottery.”
Guardian Building Tiles (ca. 1920s) | Donated by Howard Isreal & Henry Grix
It’s not every day that pieces of Detroit’s "Cathedral of Finance" come through our doors! These vibrant tiles from the Guardian Building project show the artistry and ambition that have come to define “Pewabic Tile”. Special thanks to Howard Israel & Henry Grix for contributing these pieces to our museum collection.
Next time you visit downtown, you might just spot their counterparts high above Woodward Avenue! To learn more about Pewabic Tile installations in the Metro Detroit area, visit our webpage, Pewabic Around Town.
This luminous pin and earring set dates back to the 1940s - photographed by Frances Ma
Pin & Earring Set (ca. 1940s) | Donated in loving memory of Vera Mary Armstrong
Pewabic adapted amid wartime shortages by creating beautiful and practical items like this endearing floral pin and earring set. Donated in loving memory of Vera Mary Armstrong Gerhardt, these brilliant iridescent pieces remind us of how creativity thrives even in challenging times.
The front of the unique ceramic postcard donated by William H. Peck, photographed by Frances Ma
The back of the postcard reads “Greetings from WB (William Buck) & Mary Chase Stratton.”
Ceramic Postcard (ca. 1930s) | Donated by William H. Peck
Tiny but mighty, this sweet ceramic postcard, once owned by Francis W. Robinson and later donated by William H. Peck, tells a big story. Little pieces like this helped Pewabic follow customer demands during the hardships of periods like the Great Depression.
Small objects like these decorative cigarette boxes were produced and sold during the Great Depression - Photos by Frances Ma
An original “Old Detroit” tile that reads “In Detroit, Life is Worth Living.”
Old Detroit Tile (ca. 1910) | Donated by Donna LeRoy and Leo Kopack
Originally crafted as a commemorative piece for the Detroit Board of Commerce, this historic tile bridges Pewabic’s story with the city’s vibrant past. We love that this donation came full circle through the hands of former and current Pewabic staff!
When Pewabic decided to reproduce this historic tile in the early 1990s, a tile was pressed from the original mold. Due to the age of the mold, our Master Mold Maker, Sherlyn Hunter, was tasked to resculpt the design that is still in production to this day. Sherlyn’s skilled efforts resulted in the creation of a master mold, which preserved the integrity of this tile design for years to come.
Master Mold Maker, Sherlyn Hunter, photographed by Emily Berger
Scott Fountain Tile remnant currently on display in Pewabic’s upstairs museum gallery - photographed by Emily Berger
Scott Fountain Tiles (ca. 1925) | Preserved and donated by Chuck Kukawka and the Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Local 2
Saved during the massive demo and restoration several decades ago, these colorful fragments from the James Scott Memorial Fountain shine once again! Thanks to Chuck Kukawka and the Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Local 2, pieces of Pewabic's aquatic masterpieces have returned, bringing the beauty of Belle Isle’s notable fountain a little closer to home.
Donated by Bliss Caulkins Clark, the Gustav Stickley cabinet displays many of the museum’s smaller acquisitions- photographed by Frances Ma
We are deeply grateful to the individuals, families, and organizations who have entrusted Pewabic with these incredible pieces of history. Every donation not only preserves our past but also helps inform our future. We invite you to visit our museum to experience these treasures in person — to stand a little closer to the stories, craftsmanship, and spirit that have shaped Pewabic for more than 120 years. If Pewabic has ever played a part in your own unique story, we’d love to hear your favorite memories and reflections.
If you are interested in donating a piece of Pewabic work from your collection, please contact our archivist at archives@pewabic.org.
