Mary Chase Perry Stratton is considered an icon of the American Arts and Crafts Movement. She’s important from many different aspects, as an artist, a woman entrepreneur, and a technical innovator. She, along with partner Horace Caulkin, founded Pewabic Pottery in 1903.

Mary began her artistic career as a china painter, one of the few “acceptable” professions open to women at that time. She made a name for herself in this medium; prior to founding the pottery, Mary supported herself as a china painter and teacher. Her training in Cincinnati put her in contact with Mary Longworth Nichols of Rookwood Pottery fame, as well as other women involved with the important art pottery industry that developed there.

Mary’s neighbor, dentist Horace Caulkins, was a kiln specialist. Together, they developed and marketed a new kiln design called Revelation Kiln. The seeds for the pottery were sewn with this new kiln design combined with Mary’s shift from china painter to potter. Glazes were her specialty. She experimented with them throughout her career and is renowned for her unique iridescent glazes in particular.

In time, the pottery manufactured architectural tile as well as vessels. Pewabic tile is installed in numerous buildings around Detroit and across the country. Some Detroit locations to visit are the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Guardian Building, and the People Mover stations.

Pewabic Pottery exists today as a non-profit organization continuing the legacy of its founder and is a National Historic Landmark. If you haven’t visited the pottery before, or even if you have, take the time to check it out next time you’re in Detroit. They still offer classes and design services, and they have several events throughout the year, including tours and exhibits (and a great sale in August!). The tiles and vessels for sale in their showroom are awesome, too. Check out their website at www.pewabic.org. If you know of other Michigan women pioneers of the Arts and Crafts Movement, we’d love to learn about them. We invite you to submit articles and information for consideration.