A Peculiar Look at the 18th-Century Ceramics of Drayton Hall

Event Details

"A Peculiar Look at the 18th-Century Ceramics of Drayton Hall"
by Robert Hunter, Editor, Ceramics in America
SPONSORED BY CHIPSTONE

Archaeological research at Drayton Hall has produced some of the most significant 18th-century ceramic artifacts yet discovered in America. Vestiges of Greek and Roman mythology, Chinese mysticism, and the courtly practices of European kings and queens are reflected in the broken fragments that have been left behind. This beautifully illustrated lecture will examine the deeper economic, social, and psychological meanings underlying these ceramics as used in the Drayton family's drinking and dining rituals. In addition, the mysterious acquisition by Charles Drayton of an English facsimile of the famous "Barberini Vase" will be highlighted. The first century Roman cameo glass vase is considered by many to be the finest glass object in all of antiquity.

Robert Hunter (Rob) has over 35 years of professional experience in prehistoric and historical archaeology. He has a M.A. in Anthropology from the College of William and Mary. Since 2001, he has been editor of the annual journal, Ceramics in America, published by the Chipstone Foundation of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Mr. Hunter lectures widely and participates in the New York Ceramics Fair in January each year. In addition to numerous scholarly articles and book chapters, he has written for other ceramic publications including The Magazine ANTIQUES, The Catalogue of Antiques & Fine Art, New England Antiques Journal, Early American Life, Ceramic Review, Studio Potter, Ceramics: Art and Perception, Pottery Making Illustrated, Kerameiki Techni and the Journal of Archaeological Science.
He is an elected Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London, a board member of the American Ceramic Circle, and on the advisory board of the online ceramic publication, CFile.

This event is Free and open to the public.
Doors open at 5:30pm with a wine and cheese reception sponsored by The Francis Marion Hotel, Charleston, SC.
Presentation starts promptly at 6:30pm.