Dear friends and decorative art enthusiasts,
I’m thrilled to announce my upcoming book, Beyond Blue and White: The Hidden History of Delftware and the Women Behind the Iconic Ceramic! It will be published on August 5th (Pegasus Books/Simon & Schuster).
In the fall of 2019, over seventy-five rare pieces of 17th and 18th-century Delftware were rediscovered in a historic Manhattan townhouse. This sparked a journey into the captivating history behind these vibrant ceramics. My book delves into how Delftware not only represents a beloved decorative art form, but also illuminates the powerful, often overlooked roles of women across centuries.
Beyond Blue and White uncovers the stories of pioneering women like Barbara Rotteveel, who founded “The Three Bells” factory in 1671, and Queen Mary II, who popularized Delftware in royal courts. I also highlight influential 19th-century women collectors, such as Mrs. J. Pierpont Morgan and Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt II, who championed the preservation of decorative arts and paved the way for women in museum leadership.
You can find updates on the book, details regarding upcoming events, and more at the new book website.
For a weekly dose of Delftware and behind-the-scenes content, follow me on Instagram: @beyondblueandwhitebook and @gwheelerbrown
