People's University & American Art Porcelain - The work of The University City Pottery

People's University (Lewis 1907 - 1912)

   The information found in today's article are excerpts from an article written by Paul F. Evans in the December 1971 edition of Spinning Wheel, The National Magazine about Antiques.  The article demonstrates another example of Edward G. Lewis' ability to attract highly talented individuals to assist in working towards the goal of furthering the opportunities available for communities.  The 1910 Dean and Director of the Art Institute in University City, George Zolnay's bronze, "The Pioneer" may be viewed at the Atascadero Colony Museum.  The statuary fountains around the Historic Administration Building as well as the round "cameo" style insets in the lower rotunda are by Zolnay also.  Pottery and porcelains by Doat and Robineau may periodically be seen on display in our museum on loan from a private collection.

American Art Porcelain – Two

The work of The University City Pottery

   Edward Gardner Lewis, a man of many talents and ambitions which centered largely around a group of co-related publishing, educational, and business enterprises, launched the American Woman's League in 1907.  An editorial in the American Woman's League indicates that the plan and purpose of the League – dedicated to “the integrity and purity of the American home, with wider opportunity for American women” - centered about the People's University.  Members of the League were entitled to enroll in correspondence courses; during the first full year of operation in 1910, a total enrollment in excess of 50,000 had been recorded.  All instruction was given by that means, with one exception: women of superior talent were invited to University City as honor students to study under the personal instruction of the staff there assembled.

   At University City, schools of education, language, commerce and administration, journalism, and photography were planned, but none were developed to the extent of the Art Institute.  The germ of that Institute was Lewis' own artistic interests and his amateur ceramic work, a skill which was self-taught using Taxile Doat's textbook, Grand Feu Ceramics, translated by Samuel Robineau.

   The faculty of the institute was most impressive; George Julian Zolnay, internationally renowned sculptor, was Dean and Director.  John H. Vanderpoel, Director of the School of Painting, was the leading instructor at The Art Institute of Chicago.  Antoinette P. Taylor was the Instructor of Metal and Leather work, and Mrs. Prudence Stokes Brown of Elementary Handwork.  Taxile Doat, known throughout the world for his exceptional work at the National Manufactory of Severes, was engaged as Director of the School of Ceramic Art...

   Both Lewis and his wife, Mable G., modeled, decorated, and fired earthenware and porcelains, and examples of their work can be found with their names or initials.  So great was their interest that when Lewis founded the town of Atascadero, the California colony of the American Woman's Republic...  At one time it was contemplated that the Institute be moved from University City to Atascadero but that never materialized...  Plaques modeled by Mrs. Lewis were made by Doat at University City for the new colony.  These bore the facial designation “Atascadero; Nymph of Springs,” one possible meaning of the town name.

James Wilkins is the president of the Atascadero Historical Society.  The Colony Museum is located at 6600 Lewis Avenue, mailing address: P.O. Box 1047, Atascadero CA 93423.  For more information, visit the website, www.atascaderohistoricalsociety.org or call 805-466-8341