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Henry Varnum Poor

American, 1888-1970

Henry Varnum Poor was born in Chapman, Kansas in 1887. As a boy, Poor showed an aptitude for drawing and a strong interest in nature. He received his BA in art from Stanford University before going to Europe in 1910. Particularly significant for his development as an artist was his stay in London, where he worked under Walter Sickert and visited the Grafton Gallery exhibition “Manet and the Post-Impressionists.” French modernism had such an impact on Poor that he moved to Paris, studying at the Académie Julian for five months. After he returned to the United States, he worked in various modes. Although Poor considered painting his primary medium after the stock market crash in 1929 he focused mainly on ceramics, which brought him fame and numerous awards. He also worked successfully as an architect, designer, furniture maker, sculptor, muralist, author, illustrator, and educator. Self-taught in many of these disciplines, Poor created art that was close to nature, instinctive, vigorous, and well-crafted. He was a founder of the American Designers Gallery in New York and the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture in Maine. Among the first ten artists to receive federal funding for murals, Poor painted frescoes at the Departments of Justice and Interior in Washington, D.C. Their success led to commissions for the Land Grant Frescoes at Pennsylvania State University. Poor died in 1970 in New City, New York.

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Henry Varnum Poor midcentury Aquatic Themed Stoneware Pottery Bowl with Fish
Henry Varnum Poor midcentury Aquatic Themed Stoneware Pottery Bowl with Fish

Henry Varnum Poor midcentury Aquatic Themed Stoneware Pottery Bowl with Fish

By Henry Varnum Poor

Located in Southampton, NJ

A unique aquatic-themed stoneware bowl by noted American painter/ceramicist/architect Henry Varnum Poor. The bowl features a motif of an Atlantic sturgeon...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Henry Varnum Poor

Materials

Ceramic, Clay, Pottery

Untitled: Rearview Of a Seated Nude
Untitled: Rearview Of a Seated Nude

Untitled: Rearview Of a Seated Nude

By Henry Varnum Poor

Located in New York, NY

Henry Varnum Poor (American, 1887-1970), "Untitled: Rearview Of A Seated Nude", Figurative Signed Pen and Ink Drawing, 16 x 10.38, Mid 20th Century Colors: Black and White Henry V...

Category

Mid-20th Century Academic Henry Varnum Poor

Materials

Ink, Pen

Henry Varnum Poor Rare Abstract Plate
Henry Varnum Poor Rare Abstract Plate

Henry Varnum Poor Rare Abstract Plate

By Henry Varnum Poor

Located in Sharon, CT

An unusual and important abstract work for this important artist and potter.

Category

1920s American Art Deco Vintage Henry Varnum Poor

Materials

Ceramic

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Henry Varnum Poor furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Henry Varnum Poor furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of ceramic and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Henry Varnum Poor furniture, although gray editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by Henry Varnum Poor were created in the Art Deco style in united states during the 1920s. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Cowan Pottery, Theodore Haviland, and Lebkuecher & Co.. Prices for Henry Varnum Poor furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $3,000 and can go as high as $3,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,000.

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