“Pioneering Ceramics” introduces a new acquisition for the Museum Prinsenhof Delft: a remarkable pair of pike tureens, extravagantly decorated trompe l’oeil tableware from the second half of the 18th century. A displayed example of decorated tableware from this period is a faucet jug in the form of a lady, one of the treasures unearthed from the museum’s vaults for this exhibition. Another outstanding artwork included in the exhibition is a pair of very impressive flower holders attributed to De Grieksche A (The Greek A) factory from circa 1690, sold to the municipality of Delft in 1967 by Robert’s grandfather. These flower holders offer a glimpse into the exquisite craftsmanship of the Delft artisans of the time. Additionally, the museum showcases ceramics from 23 contemporary artists, with a focus on recent works by emerging talents. The selection is diverse, with special attention given to autodidactic artists, individuals with non-Western backgrounds, and those offering alternative perspectives. Max Lipsey crafts a table from Delft Blue ceramic waste. Benedetta Pompili displays work created during her recent residency at the Rijksakademie Amsterdam. Highlighting the continued influence of Asia, the exhibition also features works from participants in the Creative Residency Arita in Japan, including new pieces by Simone Post.

The exhibition “Pioneering Ceramics” at the Museum Prinsenhof Delft runs from 16 February to 8 September 2024 at the Museum Prinsenhof Delft. It celebrates the beauty of ceramics. A growing forefront of artists is embracing earthenware, pushing the boundaries of the craft. By presenting masterpieces from the historical earthenware collection alongside contemporary creations, “Pioneering Ceramics” sparks a dynamic dialogue that yields unique insights. While the fundamental recipe of ceramics remains unchanged, the world to which makers respond has evolved significantly. “Pioneering Ceramics” brings multiple perspectives and stories to light, inviting visitors to view the past through a contemporary lens.

Mrs. Ella Schaap was honoured, respected and revered when I entered the business as a 19 year old boy; Ella was a lady in her late seventies at that time. Author of amongst others titles as ‘Three Delft Pieces in the Philadelphia Museum of Art’ (1967), ‘Dutch tiles in the Philadelphia Museum of Art’ (1984) and more following shortly after like ‘Dutch floral tiles in the golden age and their Botanical prints’ (1994) and at that time still curator at Philadelphia Museum of Art, she was a turn-to authority when researching Delftware and tiles specifically. My grandfather and father must have met her before either in Amsterdam or in Philadelphia, but I first met Ella in 1994. We went from New York to Philadelphia by train and Ella showed my parents and me around the museum. At the age of 81 she had more energy than the three of us combined and I remember being in complete awe. She was friendly, but at the same time critical about descriptions, attributions or dates. Every year Ella would take the train to come see us at the New York Winter Show in January. When she had to skip a year due to a blizzard she was furious. I had to show her the stand on a videocall. She had a great eye and was able to home-in on the rarest and most beautiful object in our stand even online. During physical visits we would sit down and discuss objects. Her last visit to the Winter Show was in 2018 and it frustrated her that she couldn’t make the trip up anymore in 2019.

Since her 93rd birthday or so I would send her flowers on the day. Each time I would receive an e-mail the same evening thanking us in perfect and impeccable Dutch. At her 100th birthday the museum organised a gathering and we sent a big bunch of tulips. Of course I did the same for her 101st birthday accompanied by a note wishing her happy 101st. Contrary to the very friendly replies of years before I now got a note stating that I hadn’t understood. Illustrating her good spirits she wrote that after 100, one would count down again and that she turned 99. 

Ella was born in Amsterdam, made several trips to the US together with her husband until in 1940 she was not able to return to the Netherlands due to the Nazi invasion of the country. She settled in Philadelphia and started at the Philadelphia Museum of Art as a volunteer at the Slides Library in 1956. Due to her knowledge of the German, Dutch and French languages she eventually became Curatorial Associate in the field of European Ceramics. Her 1984 exhibition and the award winning accompanying publication became a “tremendous success.” Her intentions were to create a living and ever expanding collection of Dutch tiles, from the 16th century, through Art Nouveau and modern times. Her legacy will be continued.

Ella was not only a friend, she was a scholar, an authority, a great specialist in the field of Dutch ceramics, a stable factor and a staple of our little but global community. At her gracious age she lived through several eras, but with her passing it is certainly the end of one.

By Robert Aronson.

A 2007 radio interview with Ella Schaap can be found here.

The necrology in the Philadelphia Inquirer can be found here.