Births on April 13

Sorcha Boru, American potter and ceramic sculptor (d. 2006)

Behind the distinctive studio name Sorcha Boru lay the talented ceramic artist Claire Everett Stewart (née Jones), a significant figure in American pottery and sculpture. Born on April 13, 1900, as Claire Jones in the vibrant city of San Francisco, California, she embraced the artistic pseudonym Sorcha Boru, under which much of her remarkable work is known. Her prolific career spanned decades, culminating in her passing on January 30, 2006, at the impressive age of 105 in Stockton, California.

Artistic Style and Creations

Stewart's artistic output predominantly featured small, exquisitely crafted ceramic items. Her repertoire included elegant figurines, functional yet beautiful vases, practical planters, and charming salt and pepper shakers. These pieces were largely characterized by the sophisticated and popular Art Deco style, an aesthetic movement of the 1920s and 1930s known for its sleek, geometric forms, rich colors, and luxurious ornamentation. Among her more elaborate creations was a distinctive "Alice in Wonderland" chess set, crafted in 1932, showcasing her narrative and sculptural skill.

Early Life and Education

Claire's foundational years were spent in her native San Francisco, where she graduated from the Girls High School in 1919. Her intellectual pursuits led her to the prestigious University of California, Berkeley, from which she earned a bachelor's degree in English in 1924. It was during her time as a student at UC Berkeley that she met Ellsworth R. Stewart (1897–1971), whom she married in 1926. Ellsworth would later play a crucial role in the production aspects of her artistic endeavors.

Establishing Her Studios

Stewart's artistic career truly flourished with the establishment of her studios. From approximately 1932 to 1939, she operated a studio within the renowned Allied Arts Guild in Menlo Park, California. This guild was a collaborative environment that often brought together various artists and craftspeople, fostering a rich creative atmosphere. As her reputation grew and demand for her unique ceramics increased, she transitioned to a new setup. From about 1940 until the mid-1950s, her primary studio was located at 430 El Camino Real in San Carlos, California. Nearby, also in San Carlos, she maintained a dedicated production factory, efficiently overseen by her husband, Ellsworth. Here, pieces were crafted using molds, a practical method that allowed for the consistent creation of her designs to meet market demand while preserving her artistic vision.

Exhibitions and Acclaim

Sorcha Boru's distinctive works garnered significant attention and were exhibited in several prestigious venues across the United States, cementing her place in American art. Her pieces were featured at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York in 1937, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art in 1935, and the grand Golden Gate International Exposition in 1939, a world's fair held in her home state. Further recognition came from the Syracuse (New York) Museum of Fine Arts (now known as the Everson Museum of Art) in 1936, and the Northwestern University Museum of Art in Evanston, Illinois.

Lasting Legacy: Museum Collections

Today, the enduring legacy of Sorcha Boru's artistry is preserved in the permanent collections of several respected institutions. Her works are held at the Everson Museum of Art, the Oakland Museum of California, and the Museum of History in San Carlos, California, ensuring that future generations can appreciate her unique contribution to ceramic art.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Sorcha Boru?

Sorcha Boru was the professional or studio name adopted by Claire Everett Stewart (née Jones), a prominent American potter and ceramic sculptor who lived from 1900 to 2006.

What kind of art did Sorcha Boru create?

She primarily created small ceramic items such as figurines, vases, planters, and salt and pepper shakers. Her works are notably in the Art Deco style, characterized by sleek, geometric forms, and she also crafted unique pieces like an "Alice in Wonderland" chess set.

What is Art Deco style?

Art Deco is an influential visual arts design style that emerged in France in the 1920s and flourished internationally throughout the 1930s. It is known for its rich colors, bold geometric shapes, and lavish ornamentation, symbolizing luxury and modernity.

Where did Sorcha Boru work and exhibit?

She maintained studios at the Allied Arts Guild in Menlo Park and later in San Carlos, California, where her husband assisted with production. Her works were exhibited at major institutions including the Whitney Museum of American Art, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and the Golden Gate International Exposition.

Are Sorcha Boru's works still available to see?

Yes, her works are preserved in the permanent collections of institutions such as the Everson Museum of Art, the Oakland Museum of California, and the Museum of History in San Carlos, California.

How long did Sorcha Boru live?

Claire Everett Stewart, known as Sorcha Boru, lived to be 105 years old, born on April 13, 1900, and passing away on January 30, 2006.