Maker/Retailer Biography

Joseph Theodore Deck

Dates: 1823-1891

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Born in Alsace, the son of a silk worker, Deck studied sculpture and chemistry in preparation for his career as a potter. He first settled in Paris in 1847; after an absence following the 1848 revolution he established his own atelier in 1856, and in 1858 opened 'Faience d'Art Th. Deck', with his brother Xavier. Deck was attracted to the design and techniques of Islamic wares, which he had become aware of through the example of Adalbert de Beaumont, author of the Encyclopedie des arts decoratifs de l'Orient (1859).  Deck showed these at the London 1862 Exhibition (see). B. Waring, Masterpieces of Industrial Art, 1862, III, pI. 297). As well as the admired Isnik wares and distinctive 'bleu Deck' colouring, Japonisme was an important aspect of his work from 1870. He won many medals at international exhibitions, showing at London in 1871; Vienna in 1873; Paris in 1867, 1878 and 1889; and Philadelphia in 1876, where Deck's faience was shown on the Collinson & Lock stand. Deck collaborated with many artist friends in producing painted chargers, including Felix Bracquemond, Francoise Gluck, Eleonore Escallier, Albert Anker and Joseph Ranvier. In 1887 he was appointed Director of the National Porcelain Manufactory at Sevres. After Deck's death in 1891 the factory continued under Xavier and Deck's nephew Richard until 1905.