Photo: TMP
Photo: TMP
Photo: TMP
Photo: TMP

Vase

USA, 1973
Scripps College Collection
Date acquired:
Materials:
Stoneware
Form - Functional: N/A
Form - Sculptural: N/A
Method:
Thrown
Surface Technique: N/A
Kiln Type: N/A
Glazes:
Glaze
Harrison McIntosh | 1914 – Present

Harrison McIntosh's work combines a mid-century modern aesthetic, simple classical forms, and expressionist surface decoration.

A contemporary of Laura Andreson and Gertrud and Otto Natzler, McIntosh was among the first California studio potters to create wheel-thrown stonewares. He studied with Glen Lukens while at the University of Southern California and with Richard Petterson at Claremont Graduate School. In 1953 McIntosh spent the summer at Marguerite Wildenhain's studio, Pond Farm, where he learned the Bauhaus aesthetic. While teaching at Otis, McIntosh met Peter Voulkos who inspired him to use an expressionistic approach to clay. This resulted in the distinctive thin sgraffito lines on his ceramic surfaces. In many cases, he creates a two-tone ribbing pattern or lines based on concentric circles.

His work from the 1980s is characterized by a red clay body. He occasionally made abstract sculptures on wooden or steel bases but he is best known for his symmetrical bowl and jar forms. McIntosh also designed wares for industrial production, including dinnerware for Mikasa.

Scripps College Collection

McIntosh in other collections

TMP collaborates with the finest public and private collections of modern and contemporary American ceramics in the United States. Browse collections to learn about artists and their works. Reach out to us to become a collection partner.

 

Note:

These records have been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced.

Last updated: April 22, 2026

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