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Wisconsin Pottery Association 
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The following article appeared the WPA Press, Vol. 2, September 1999 

By the Way... Do you recall the presentation on George Ohr pottery by Richard Mohr in April? Here is an interesting tidbit found while reading about Newcomb Pottery in American Art Pottery by Dick Sigafoose. A couple of the early potters hired by Newcomb College were from the old New Orleans Art Pottery, two young men by the names of Joseph Fortune Meyer and George E. Ohr. Meyer and Ohr knew each other well; they not only set-up the New Orleans Art Pottery in 1886, they had grown up together in Biloxi, Mississippi and had been employed by Meyer’s father. Both men were accomplished potters who had learned their trade through apprenticeship. Ohr was fired in 1898 because he was seen as ‘not fit’ to instruct young ladies. This potter’s firing, no pun intended, certainly fit with the “Wild PotOhr of Biloxi” reputation he earned. Ohr was thought by some to be the most talented potter and glazer ever. Meyer continued his career as the master potter at Newcomb until his retirement in 1927. Perhaps this information is not surprising after the sorts of pieces produced by Ohr that we were introduced to last spring?!

 – Kari Kenefick, editor WPA Press

WPA Related Pages:

• George Ohr Home Page
• What We Did on Our Spring Vacation - WPA Press Article - July 2000
• WPA Press Article - September 1999
• Presentation by Richard Mohr - April 1999