Colorful, wildly imaginative, and technically innovative, the boldly molded, lead-glazed earthenware known as majolica was introduced to the public in 1851 by the renowned English firm Minton & Co. Majolica’s widespread commercial popularity led to its production by scores of potteries in Great Britain and, later, the United States. Majolica Mania: Highlights celebrates the artistry and whimsy of this ceramic ware, providing a historical overview illustrated with examples of both functional domestic objects and the monumental pieces made for display at the world’s fairs of the second half of the nineteenth century.

This album features an introductory essay about British and American majolica followed by illustrations of objects from the exhibition.

Susan Weber is the founder and director of Bard Graduate Center.

The exhibition Majolica Mania is on view at Bard Graduate Center Gallery from September 24, 2021 through January 2, 2022.