Collection of over 100 examples of Danish porcelain examine the artistry and innovation of Art Nouveau design in Denmark
AMES, IOWA - February 3, 2021 Danish porcelain factories at the turn of the 20th century combined artistry and technological innovation at an unprecedented level of excellence. Both Royal Copenhagen and Bing & Grøndahl explored new forms, new techniques, and new artistic influences. Like many artists of the Art Nouveau period, the designers and painters of Danish porcelain reflected an interest in the natural world and cultures from around the globe.
Art Nouveau Innovation: Danish Porcelain from an American Collector sets out to deepen the awareness of the unique artistry and avant-garde designs these factories produced during the period, roughly 1885-1920. The traveling exhibition, curated by the Museum of Danish America (Elk Horn, Iowa), is on view in the Ann Brunnier Decorative Arts Gallery in the Brunnier Art Museum through May 9.
A curated selection of over 100 porcelain works of art are on loan from a private collection assembled through two generations. All of the objects are on loan from the current collector, Dr. Todd Reiser.
“This collection started with my father back in about 1947. He bought a wedding present of a small figurine [of Danish porcelain]. He liked what he saw, and after that he started seeking more pieces,” said Dr. Reiser. “I was actually born in to this and I was used to a house filled with Danish porcelain. Growing up, I became more interested in what my father was collecting. The first example I officially purchased as a collector was in 1982 during my first trip to Denmark.”
Art Nouveau Innovation: Danish Porcelain from an American Collector opened January 25 and runs through May 9, 2021 at the Brunnier Art Museum, located on the second floor of the Scheman Building on the Iowa State University campus, 1805 Center Drive, Ames. The revised Spring 2021 public hours for the Brunnier Art Museum are Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; closed weekends and University holidays. Admission is free, with a recommended donation of $8.
A Gallery Guide produced by the Museum of Danish America is also available to visitors at no charge.
Brunnier Art Museum
Know Before You Go - Guidelines for COVID-19
Hours: Monday - Friday open to the public 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Closed weekends and University holidays
Address: 2nd Floor, Scheman Building, 1805 Center Drive, Ames, Iowa
Admission: The cost is free, however there is a suggested donation of $8
LEFT: Vase with “Persian-like” Motif, 1886-1888. Royal Copenhagen (Danish, founded 1775). Artist: Jenny Kondrup. On loan from Dr. Todd Reiser.
MIDDLE IMAGE: Crocus Plate, 1883. Royal Copenhagen (Danish, founded 1775). Artist: Svend Hammershøi. On loan from Dr. Todd Reiser.
RIGHT: Bat Wall Pocket, 1904-1911. Royal Copenhagen (Danish, founded 1775). Designed by Christian Thomsen in 1900, Painter Number 100: H. Hansen. On loan from Dr. Todd Reiser.
Exhibition Program
Due to COVID-19 guidelines, in-person programs will have a limited number of seats available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Masks are required for all program attendees per Iowa State University policy. Seating will be placed 6 feet apart and we kindly ask that all attendees respect physical distancing. Chairs will be cleaned before and after the program. Hand sanitizer will be available at the entrance to each museum.
Art Nouveau Innovation: Danish Porcelain from an American Collector Open House
Thursday April 8, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. – Brunnier Art Museum
IN-PERSON PROGRAM: Visit the exhibition Art Nouveau Innovation and have the opportunity to speak with Museum of Danish America Executive Director Tova Brandt and Associate Curator of Exhibitions Diya Nagaraj as well as collector Dr. Todd Reiser and University Museums’ Associate Curator Adrienne Gennett. The first two timed entries are reserved for members of the Museum of Danish America (Elk Horn, IA) and University Museums (4:30 and 5 p.m.) and the final two entries are open to the general public (5:30 and 6 p.m.). Pre-registration is required to reserve a space.
REGISTER FOR 4:30 PM ENTRY (members-only)
REGISTER FOR 5:00 PM ENTRY (members-only)
REGISTER FOR 5:30 PM ENTRY (general public)
REGISTER FOR 6:00 PM ENTRY (general public)
University Museums cannot guarantee an environment free of the risk of transmission of COVID-19. Visiting University Museums includes possible exposure to and serious illness from infectious diseases including but not limited to COVID-19. Visit at your own risk. University Museums does recognize the possibility of a second outbreak and that things may change. The University Museums and ISU emergency teams will monitor this closely and facilities may have to close again. University Museums may make very quick decisions on shutdowns or cancellations due to capacity concerns, health precautions, staffing and occupancy-related considerations.
Art Nouveau Innovation: Danish Porcelain from an American Collector is organized by the Museum of Danish America, Elk Horn, Iowa, from the collection of Dr. Todd Reiser. The traveling exhibition is made possible by the generous support of the Albert Victor Ravenholt Fund, Seattle, Washington and The Danish Home, Croton-on-Hudson, New York. The exhibition is presented at the Brunnier Art Museum, University Museums, Iowa State University through the generous support of James D. and Margery P. Iversen.