This weekend I picked up a book on window decorating. There were several photos of windows by Gump's of San Francisco, including this one featuring chairs by Van Keppel Green.
Gump's buyer, Bill Brewer, saw Edith's work on display at the California Palace of the Legion of Honor. The contents of the show were consigned to Gump's after the show ended and sold well. Brewer then offered her a space they had been using on Clay St. (no joke) that they had been using to host ceramic workshops. Gump's subsidised the rent on what would be her first studio space outside of her home.
Gump's also carried ceramics by Daniel Rhodes and Marguerite Wildenhain. Peter Voulkos had his first commercial exhibition there in 1952 and Dora De Larios had a sold out show in 1959.
Source: Asilomar: First Annual Conference of American Craftsmen
Gump's also carried ceramics by Daniel Rhodes and Marguerite Wildenhain. Peter Voulkos had his first commercial exhibition there in 1952 and Dora De Larios had a sold out show in 1959.
Source: Asilomar: First Annual Conference of American Craftsmen
Otto and Gertrud Natzler had a show at Gump's in 1966 and their work would be sold there for years.
Source: Craft Horizons 1966
This Natzler bowl in a "Mustard Hare's Fur" glaze was purchased at Gump's in 1974.
Source: Rago
It wasn't just clay. Ellamarie and Jackson Woolley also sold their copper on enamel work through Gump's
It's an early one.
Allan Adler too
Source: Craft Horizons 1955
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I might like Christmas if I would get some Gross Wood or Stan Hawk
Source: San Francisco Examiner, 1952
After reading a couple articles, it seems like it wasn't the internet killing the old brick and mortar story. They had a well performing website. It was the failure to offer new material to modern tastes and the reliance on their older customer base that did them in. Where is the new Voulkos when you need him?