The Pottery and Porcelain Club in Providence, RI, established in 1947, was and is dedicated to the study of fine porcelain and pottery. Members held study groups in their home and organized community exhibitions in order to formally pursue their interests.
There are no restrictions on access, except that the collection can only be seen by prior appointment. Some materials may be stored off-site and cannot be produced on the same day on which they are requested.
Although Brown University has physical ownership of the collection and the materials contained therein, it does not claim literary rights. Researchers should note that compliance with copyright law is their responsibility. Researchers must determine the owners of the literary rights and obtain any necessary permissions from them.
Pottery and Porcelain Club (Providence, RI) records, Ms. 90.7, Brown University Library.
This collection spans the entire history of the club from 1947 to the present. They are an active organization as of 2013 and continue to donate materials on a periodic basis for this collection.
Series 1: Administration contains records about the governance of the organization including the Constitution, By-Laws, annual reports, minutes, policies, and the notebooks from the Recording Secretary and the Treasurer. The Membership and By-laws section contains General Policies, Membership Books, Rosters and Letters of Nomination, Seconding and Acceptance.
Series 2: Membership contains rosters, attendance records and correspondence regarding the nomination and acceptance of new members. This portion of the collection is useful in uncovering the structure of the club. Sample letters give insights on membership qualifications and the exclusive nature of this club.
Series 3: Library and Study Material gives a detailed history of the library of study materials created by the club and the topics of interest for the study groups. A book index, library reports, a library catalogue, a suggested reading list and a bookplate comprise this part of the collection.
Series 4: Exhibition and Events contains programs, guestbooks and files on the various exhibits of pottery and porcelain they have created over the years. Of particular importance is the slide library of images from most of the major exhibits created by the club. The Recording Secretary's notebooks, mentioned above, are also informative in this area. Included in this category is the Thirtieth Anniversary Planning file which provides information about the club's history.
Series 5: Newsletters contains the few one-page newsletters published by the club from 1981-1985.
Series 6: History includes a scrapbook, file of newspaper clippings and the "Nostalgia" essay which provide background on the club and its activities.
As a whole the collection provides a basic understanding of the organization, membership policies, and goals that make the Pottery and Porcelain Club what it was and continues to be today.
Arrangement
Donated by the Pottery and Porcelain Club in several installments beginning in 1990.
For additional By-Laws see: Program, Roster and By-Laws
For additional rosters see: Program, Roster, and By-Laws
For additional programs see: Program, Roster and By-Laws
Contains slides for the following exhibits: Treasures of the China Trade, Slater Mill, 1959; Treasures in Pottery and Porcelain, 1967; Exhibit, 1974; Bicentennial Dinner, 1976; Ceramic Collectibles of the Nineteenth Century, 1982.