Hands Illuminating Porcelain:
The Lithophanes of Hannah Blackwell
Press Release
For Immediate Release
April 8, 2011
For more information contact Margaret Carney at 419-245-1356,
curator@lithophanemuseum.org or www.lithophanemuseum.org
Hands Illuminating Porcelain: Hannah Blackwell Lithophane Exhibition to open April 30th
Everyone knows Popeye -- Popeye is a colorful iconic cartoon figure, now 75 years old, famous for his spinach-fueled muscles, sailor’s cap, and the pipe clenched in his jowls. Contemporary lithophane artist, Hannah Blackwell, has transformed him -- posed as a nearly lifesize ceramic figure lamp, 56 inches tall, with a push puppet-inspired base, and flaunting a translucent lithophane skirt ala Olive Oyl. Titled “I am what I am,” the sculpture will be part of a solo exhibition of Hannah Blackwell’s lithophanes, on view at the Blair Museum of Lithophanes, April 30th through October 30th.
Hannah Blackwell, a recent graduate of the Kansas City Art Institute in Kansas City, Missouri, who may well be the most talented contemporary lithophane artist in the country, only discovered the magic of lithphanes a few years ago. In 2007, Hannah saw the work of a fellow student who had made a rudimentary lithophane during a trip to Hungary. She herself then became intrigued by the possiblities. After extensive studies in Hungary in 2008 and 2009, she has since mastered the technique and her beautiful creations will mesmerize viewers.
Her exhibition will feature nine flat panel lithophanes, several lamps, and a tutorial which invites the viewer to experience lithophane creation, carving a beexwax model, creating a plaster mold, pressing porcelain, and firing the finished work to its translucent state which magically reveals the details in the image. The artist will be present at the exhibition opening April 30th, 2-4 p.m. Free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.
Traditional lithophanes from the 19th century are 3-dimensional porcelain pictures that show their true beauty when back lit. Images may include famous portraits, hunting scenes, humorous events, stories from the Bible, children and their pets, and more. These delicate porcelain plaques are part of lamps, tea warmers, night lights, beer steins, and traditional candle shields and fire place screens. They were first created in the 1820s in parts of Europe and were very popular during the Victorian era. Toledo has the largest collection of lithophanes in the world and the Blair Museum is the only museum devoted to this unique art. Many museums have lithophanes in their permanent collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American Art, and the Victoria & Albert Museum in London.
The Museum, located at the Toledo Botanical Garden, 5403 Elmer Drive, is open, free of charge, beginning April 30th, each Saturday and Sunday through October 30th, 1-4 p.m. Special tours are available at other times by appointment, at a $5 fee per person and a minimum charge of $50 for groups of 1 to 10. For more information phone 419-245-1356, email curator@lithophanemuseum.org or visit our website www.lithophanemuseum.org