Thomas Commeraw: Rediscovered African-American Potter of Federal New York

African American Archive of Columbia County

The story of Thomas W. Commeraw, a rediscovered Black potter and abolitionist who scholars long believed to be of European descent.

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This lecture is presented by <a href="https://studiopotter.org/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">The Studio Potter Journal</a><a href="https://www.afamarchivecc.org" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">The A﻿frican American Archive of Columbia County</a>The pottery of Thomas W. Commeraw, a stoneware manufacturer working in New York City 1797-1819, has been acquired by the highest level of American institutions since the early twentieth century. Always assumed to be a white potter of European descent, Commeraw&#x27;s remarkable life story languished in obscurity until a chance encounter with a census record embarked the speaker on a long but rewarding journey to bring it to light. An abolitionist, artist and activist who ultimately tried to found a new West African republic, Commeraw stands as one of the most fascinating characters in the history of American ceramics.

Brandt Zipp is the author of <a href="https://a.co/d/d3CLNI5" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Commeraw's Stoneware: The Life and Work of the First African-American Pottery Owner</a>, the culmination of nearly two decades of researching Thomas W. Commeraw. It was Brandt's own serendipitous discovery of Commeraw's identity in 2003 that brought this story to the modern world. Brandt is a founding partner of <a href="https://www.crockerfarm.com/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Crocker Farm, Inc.</a>, a research-focused auction house known for its high level offerings of period American ceramics.

<h3>Commeraw's Stoneware: The Life and Work of the First African-American Pottery Owner</h3>by A. Brandt ZippPresented here for the first time in two centuries is the lost story of New York City potter Thomas W. Commeraw, a key early African-American figure whose identity slipped through the fingers of history. Rediscovered by the author in the first years of this century, Commeraw stands as one of the most fascinating of all historic American decorative artists: an abolitionist, activist, highly influential craftsman and, ultimately, the hopeful founder of a new African republic. Topics include: Commeraw's fascinating life story, from childhood to death. A comprehensive discussion and illustration of Commeraw's pottery, made from the mid-1790's to late 1810's. Commeraw's abolitionism, political activism and role as an important local free black figure. A thorough history of New York City stoneware. An in-depth breakdown of the work of other New York City stoneware manufacturers, including Clarkson Crolius, Sr.; John Remmey III; and David Morgan. Commeraw's harrowing experiences on the west coast of Africa.Published by <a href="https://www.crockerfarm.com/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Crocker Farm</a> (September 12, 2022) ISBN: 979-8218002909<a href="https://a.co/d/d3CLNI5" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Purchase Publication on Amazon</a>

<h3>T﻿he Studio Potter</h3>Operating as a resource and a communal voice, Studio Potter represents the multiplicity of contemporary and historical ceramics by: publishing exceptional and thought-provoking content; strengthening and growing our community; and connecting artists, educators, collectors, curators, gallerists, critics, historians, and learners through narratives, interviews, and critical essays. Studio Potter - a nonprofit organization – celebrates more than fifty years of commitment to the publication of the Studio Potter journal. <a href="https://studiopotter.org/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">www.studiopotter.org</a>F﻿ollow The Studio Potter on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thestudiopotter/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thestudiopotter/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/o/the-studio-potter-journal-72480707083" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Eventbrite</a>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/thestudiopotter" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">X (Twitter)</a> .

<h3>A﻿frican American Archive of Columbia County</h3>The African American Archive of Columbia County, New York exists to document, preserve, and share the deep history of Black people in the upper Hudson Valley. From their arrival with the Dutch Patroons early in the 17th century, through today, the roots of our African forebears have been profoundly intertwined with the land and people of Columbia County. While hardly secret, this narrative is seldom told or taught in schools. Our mission is to lift the voices of our ancestors, bring our stories to light and life, and create a living chronicle that will honor our past and enlighten our future. <a href="http://www.afamarchivecc.org/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">www.afamarchivecc.org</a>Follow AAACC on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/afamarchivecc" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Facebook</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/afamarchivecc/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Instagram</a>, and <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/o/african-american-archive-of-columbia-county-72479408053" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Eventbrite</a>

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