Theaster Gates, a Chicago-based artist, recently acquired the Pickard China factory located in Antioch, Illinois. The factory, known for high-end porcelain, employs skilled British craftspeople like Rachael Keeling who have migrated from the renowned Wedgwood factory in Stoke-on-Trent.
Pickard, the last of its kind in the U.S., serves prestigious clients such as the White House and high-end retailers. Despite its esteemed clientele, the company faces significant challenges, including declining production and an aging facility.
“There’s a kind of cultural cliff that things have fallen off in terms of this sort of commodity,” noted Philip Scranton, a historian at Rutgers University. Escalating costs and changing lifestyles have pushed many American china manufacturers overseas.
Launched in 1893, Pickard has a storied legacy. With the Pickard family looking to retire, Theaster Gates saw an opportunity. Gates is a prominent contemporary artist known for his installations and collaborations, including a partnership with Prada and involvement in various cultural projects.
The acquisition of Pickard China aligns with Gates’ broader mission. He is committed to artisanal manufacturing and cultural preservation. His past projects include transforming the Stony Island Arts Bank, once a condemned building, into a cultural center housing Black history archives.
As the new president of Pickard China, Gates faces substantial tasks. Immediate needs include a new roof and HVAC system for the factory. Gates is focusing on managing daily operations while steering the company’s creative direction.
“All of the parts that would scare you–like, it’s a big building, it’s 60,000 square feet, a staff that I would inherit–for some reason, all of those things become a little bit poetic,” Gates expressed about his vision for the future of the company.
Gates’ investment in Pickard is not only about preserving legacy but also about expanding his artistic practice to include porcelain, showing his commitment to revitalizing the historic brand.
Leave a Reply