09-028.
Found on September 27, 2009 in Indianapolis, IN.
Gordon Martz
P-324-28 dish
Marshall Studios
USA, c. 1975
8.5 x 4.75 x 2.25"
Glazed ceramic
Manufacturer's mark
This weekend Kate and I took a slightly longer than normal thrifting road trip in celebration of my 40th birthday. I hoped I might distract myself from feeling old if we visited a larger city than those we normally trek to, so before the sun rose Saturday morning we jumped in the car and pointed ourselves towards Indianapolis, IN. We had visited a couple thrift shops in Indy once before, but had never gone on an extensive thrifting tour, so we felt that this trip help some promise: a fairly large Midwestern city is normally prime hunting grounds for midcentury modern objects.
Unfortunately our high hopes were grounded, and after visiting over a dozen stores all we had to show for our efforts (besides a couple maternity shirts for Kate and a few cute outfits for our daughter-to-be) was a single piece of Marshall Studios pottery. I was disappointed, but at least not completely empty-handed.
All in all, this little baking dish is a pretty good find. It's an interesting shape, and in fantastic condition. I'm a little bit confused as to how I should date it, however. It is the first piece I've ever found with the late-era "Marshall" signature, presumably dating its creation to sometime after 1989 when the Martzes retired and sold the business. On the other hand, it is made of a medium tone clay that Marshall Studios supposedly used only through the late 1970's. Although I couldn't find the P-324 shape in any of the catalogs currently posted to the marvelous archives at MarshallStudios.net, it feels like a Martz design to me. Maybe one of you might be able to help out with narrowing the possible timeline for this piece. Any ideas or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
In the end, we only visited about half the shops on our list of places to visit, so some day we'll return and see if possibly the part of town we didn't make it to might be more fruitful. I've not given up hope on Indianapolis yet.
Scott commented: Thanks so much, Ann. I really appreciate your taking time to fill me in on this piece. I've not been able to find much reference to this shape at all, so you've been of great help.
And if I can just gush a little bit ... I'm a big fan of your parent's work, if you can't tell by the fairly liberal dose of it appearing here on Ars Longa. Some of my most prized possessions are lamps of their design, which we use throughout our entire house. Not a day goes by when I don't appreciate their work (literally).
I hope you'll continue to come back to the site and participate in the discussion. It's fantastic to have access to first-hand observations and information. Best wishes!
- 10.13.09
- Website
Gordon Martz commented: Scott. Glad to hear that someone still appreciates Marshall Studios ceramics. The piece you purchased was intended for like olives and cigarettes and ash trays eventually disappeared from production and actually the tray was very difficult to "decorate" or maybe I should say embellish. You have a nice piece and I'm glad it is plain as I believe the shape is fine as is. Enjoy
Gordon
- 10.14.09
Scott commented: Thank you, Mr. Martz. I personally know many people who still appreciate (and celebrate!) your work. You made a big impact on Modern ceramics, especially here in the Midwest, and have quite an enthusiastic following.
Kudos and a million thanks to you!
- 10.15.09
- Website
Ann Martz commented: It is a press molded item made definitely prior to 1989 - probably designed in the 60s and lent itself to decoration well. Ann Martz (daughter)