The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1895-12-04
A Woman In Ceramic Art.

In Mrs. S. Stuart Frackeltcn is revealed
beautiful and womanly woman, a talent
ed artist and the first of her sex in Amer.
lea to become n potter. The ancient art of
pottery, or modelling in clay, has always
boon esteemed in foreign lands rs ono of
the most valuable branches of artistic in
dustry, but in AmoricJ Mrs. Frackcton
was one of its pioneer A1votccs Step by
step she has advanced, self taught from
lack of all opportunity ON this side the
Atlantic to learn her chosen pursuit., until
now she stands as highest authority ON
the subject, both abroad and in her native
land Her book, "Tricd by Fire, " II vol
ume dealing with ceramic art, has been
accepted as n textbook at tho South Ken
sington Art museum, and the thanks Of
the lords Of the committee of council Of
education" have been conveyed to the atl-
thor.
Mrs. Frackelton began her labors with
grinding her clay in u coffee mill and roll
ing it out with pastry roller. She is now
the head of large manufacturing bust
ness which turns out all sorts of "Amori-
can" colors and appliances for the art
Here home talent is encouraged on every
side and her own sex is given every bene-
fit. In the counting room, store artroom,
studio and workrooms teachers and stu
dents are all women, and they have even
taken the place of kiln men when neces-
sary
This distinguished art worker has been
the recipient of diplomas, medals and
prizes galore, and although she is one OF
the few of her profession who have never
set foot on any continent but her own she
is being constantly honored by substantial
recognition from other countries for every
stage of her art, from the clay to the firing
in n kiln of her own invention, which is
In use in Europe as well as here She is
the only American who has received for
eign medal for ceramic art. She has de-
cllned an offer from the Mexican govern
ment of IA place at the head of national
school of ceramic decoration. At the Ant
werp exposition she was medaled for her
American gold, bronze and colors as well
as her china painting. Eight awards were
her share at the Worlds fair, besides the
gold medal for the "Frackelton Jar, "
notable bit of pottery designated as the
best art salt glaze produced to date in
this country, and which had the honor of
being the first article sold in the womens
department.
But her latest discovery is the use of
water color on china, something unique Of
introduce many novel effects.
Born in Milwaukee, which is still her
home, Mrs. Frackelton is of old New York
and New England stock, with strain of
Quaker blood, and she is American to tho
backbone. She is intensely patriotic, and
her lineage stretches back to colonial and
Revolutionary times.
She has charming home in her native
city but she travels occasionally. She is
pre-eminently feminine in her tastes and
ways, conscientious and devoted in her
domestic life, "a warm friend and helpful
one.
OF late she has devoted her time and
energies to the formation of clubs and
classes all over the Union to further the
knowledge and practical work of pottery.
She looks forward to the gradual develop
ment of "a national school of mineral paint
ing and she has journeyed from Maine to
California preaching her gospel of beauty.
Carolyn Halstcd in Chicago Record