Gordon and Jane Martz were prominent designers and creators of simple, elegant, handcrafted ceramic goods. Their vintage mid-century modern designs for table lamps, floor lamps, chandeliers and pendants are daring but relaxed and make for versatile additions to any space.
Jane Martz’s grandmother established the family-owned American lampshades company Marshall Studios in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1922. Jessie “Muz” Marshall produced hand-painted lampshades out of her home, then expanded to include lamp bases made of wood. The business later moved to Veedersburg. After studying at New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University, Gordon and Jane joined the company in the early 1950s and stepped in to run Marshall Studios after it had been managed by Jane’s parents. Gordon and Jane instilled the brand with fresh energy and new ideas. They introduced innovative modernist stoneware lamps, decorative accessories and more that became immediately popular with new homeowners of the era. Later, there was a return to lamp bases made solely of wood, and floor lamps, bookends and tables with tile tops appeared in the company catalogs.
The Marshall Studios M101 lamp was featured in the Museum of Modern Art’s “Good Design” exhibit in 1953, which also featured the work of other mid-century luminaries such as Jens Risom, Paul McCobb, George Nelson and more.
Gordon and Jane explored color and texture at the company during the 1950s and ‘60s and continued the rich legacy of craftsmanship for which Marshall Studios had become known. The manufacturer secured government contracts and their works were featured in Interiors magazine. Etchings and other decoration continued to be done by hand, and Jane eventually also took an interest in the fabric and textiles used to hand-cover the paper shades, producing a complementary line of hand-woven pillows and other goods.
Find vintage Gordon and Jane Martz lighting, tables and ceramics on 1stDibs.
Gordon & Jane Martz Stoneware Carafe
By Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in Highland, IN
Beautiful in form and highly functional, this model M132 carafe/ coffee server by Gordon & Jane Martz for Marshall Studios has a great organic shape, is glazed in their signature sub...
Leather, Clay
Tea Pot by Gordon and Jane Martz
By Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
The Gordon and Jane Martz ceramic tea pot is a stunning piece of functional art that seamlessly combines form and function. Handcrafted by the renowned American ceramicists, Gordon a...
Ceramic
$9,500
H 11.81 in W 5.31 in D 4.72 in
Very Fine Pair of French Silver-Mounted Glass Claret Jugs, Paris, circa 1880
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A very fine pair of French silver-mounted glass claret jugs, Paris, circa 1880, Mark of VB. The bulbous spiral-fluted glass bodies each with silver circular foot and neck, leaf-cappe...
Crystal
Guapa Thermos
Located in Paris, FR
Thermos Guapa in solid brass in chrome plated finish. Partially covered with genuine leather. Maintains 1 liter liquid’s temperature for up to 12 hours. Al...
Brass, Chrome
$300
H 7.5 in W 5 in D 4.25 in
Jane and Gordon Martz Ceramic Tile and Walnut Bookends for Marshall Studios
By Marshall Studios, Gordon & Jane Martz
Located in Chicago, IL
These ceramic tile and walnut bookends were designed and made by Jane and Gordon Martz for Marshall Studios. The rectangular forms are softened by the loose brush strokes in the glaz...
Walnut, Ceramic
Blenko Pitcher and Mug Set by Wayne Husted
By Wayne Husted
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A nine piece handblown pitcher and mug set in a sea green color by noted glass artist Wayne Husted who's iconic pieces defined the Mid Century period . The mugs and pitcher...
Blown Glass
Blue Carafe and glasses. Inspired by Traditional Ceramic Carafes.
By La muerte tiene permiso
Located in London, GB
Our carafe colection is a tribute to the traditional pitchers of the regions of Tonala´ and Tlaquepaque in Jalisco, these two regions developed during the period of the conquest as pottery centers. Originally these bottles were used to store water in addition to keeping it a few degrees below room temperature, their low temperature cooking allows the jug to breathe water and this in contact with the outside air cools the jug and therefore the liquid inside. To avoid moisture stains on the surfaces where the jug is placed, a plate is placed. The jugs were usually decorated with paintings...
Ceramic
Handcrafted Antique Pitchers by Henriot Quimper Faience, France
By Henriot Quimper
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Beautiful sculptural forms by Henriot Quimper C1930. Hand thrown and hand painted, both feature the Breton man in his customary ware. In excellent vintage c...
Clay, Faience
Late 19th Century Adams Gravy Boat
By William Adams (Potter)
Located in High Point, NC
Late 19th century English pottery gravy boat in the famous blue willow pattern. Maker's mark is for William Adams and Sons, which were located in Tunstall.
Porcelain
Orrefors More Carafe
Located in Wilkes Barre, PA
More Carafe from Orrefors holds 50 oz and is intended for both water and wine. Aerate wine in the carafe by filling it to the widest point. The carafe has an indented bottom, which p...
Crystal
Lavanda Carafe and glasses. Inspired by Traditional Ceramic Carafes.
By La muerte tiene permiso
Located in London, GB
Our carafe colection is a tribute to the traditional pitchers of the regions of Tonala´ and Tlaquepaque in Jalisco, these two regions developed during the period of the conquest as p...
Ceramic
Green Carafe and glasses. Inspired by Traditional Ceramic Carafes.
By La muerte tiene permiso
Located in London, GB
Our carafe colection is a tribute to the traditional pitchers of the regions of Tonala´ and Tlaquepaque in Jalisco, these two regions developed during the period of the conquest as p...
Ceramic
Orrefors Enjoy Carafe
Located in Wilkes Barre, PA
Enjoy Carafe from Orrefors, holding 27 oz, has an elongated, straight design making it ideal for serving wine, water, and other non-alcoholic drinks. It can also be decorative and fu...
Crystal