Reconnecting the Descendants of Dave the Potter

Overview

David Drake, also known as “Dave the Potter,” was a highly skilled enslaved African American potter in South Carolina in the 19th century. During his lifetime, Mr. Drake created thousands of ceramic works which reflect extraordinary craftsmanship and high artistic achievement, and are considered among the most significant examples of American ceramic art.

Adding to the artistic and cultural significance of Mr. Drake’s works is the fact that he dated and signed many of his works, and he further inscribed many works with poems or polysemous verses, which is of significance given that Mr. Drake created these works at a time when it was forbidden to teach enslaved persons to read or write and literacy among enslaved persons was criminalized. Mr. Drake’s works have been acquired by leading museums and private collections throughout the United States, and have substantial commercial value. Because Mr. Drake was an enslaved person, he was denied the full benefits of his brilliance, talent and labor, and the economic benefits of Mr. Drake’s work have historically excluded his descendants.

Institutions or Collectors Holding David Drake's Work

Please contact us to discuss how you can support the ethical ownership of David Drake's work.