Georgia Museum of Art and David Drake's Descendants Reach Historic Agreement
The Georgia Museum of Art and the descendants of David Drake, an enslaved ceramicist known as Dave the Potter, have announced an agreement recognizing his heirs as the rightful beneficiaries of his artwork. The deal also allows the museum to own and display the pieces, ensuring public access to his legacy. Drake was forced to produce tens of thousands of ceramic vessels in Edgefield, South Carolina, during the mid-19th century. Only about 250 identifiable pieces remain in museums and private collections. Despite laws prohibiting enslaved people from learning to read or write, Drake inscribed his jars with his name, dates, and original poetry.
Key facts
- The Georgia Museum of Art and David Drake's descendants reached an agreement.
- The agreement recognizes Drake's heirs as rightful beneficiaries of his artwork.
- The museum will own and display the artwork for public education.
- David Drake was an enslaved African American ceramicist in Edgefield, South Carolina.
- He was forced to create tens of thousands of ceramic vessels in the mid-19th century.
- Only about 250 identifiable pieces remain in museums and private collections.
- Drake inscribed his jars with his name, dates, and original poetry despite laws against teaching enslaved persons to read or write.
- The agreement creates a path for the museum to own and display the artwork.
Entities
Artists
- David Drake
Institutions
- Georgia Museum of Art
Locations
- Edgefield
- South Carolina