Staff Pick: The Mad Potter

The Mad Potter tells the story of George Ohr, an artist who lived in Biloxi, Mississippi during the late 1800's.  He discovered his love for pottery after working for a boyhood friend who owned a small pottery factory in New Orleans.  He took to it “like a duck in water” and was soon crafting creations of his own.

What began as a career with hopes of recognition and financial security gave way to George’s penchant for the whimsical and unusual.  Few bought his work, and like many artists, he became famous long after his death. George could not change his personality, anymore than he could  change his art to please others.  His work just didn't fit in with the times.  He was joyful and uninhibited in his creative life, truly celebrating individuality.

Retired in 1910, George told his children not to sell any of his pottery for 50 years.  Over 5,000 pieces stayed in storage until 1968, when an antiques dealer stumbled upon the collection at “Ojo’s Junk Yard and Machine Shop," Ohr’s son’s business.  Some of the newly discovered pottery sold for thousands of dollars.

This book is one of many new non-fiction selections in the children’s department of our library. If you'd like to check it out, you can place a hold on it with your library card number by clicking here.

-Nancy J