For four decades, the artist David Eldreth operated Eldreth Pottery in Oxford and transformed a small operation into a thriving business whose reputation wrested on the owner’s craftsmanship and ingenuity. 

The studio melded with an artistic career already in full flight and together they merged to form a personal journey that extended far beyond the business he had on Harts Road. Now, nearly one year after Eldreth’s passing on July 24, 2023, The Hook Experiment in Oxford will present “David Eldreth: His Artistic Journey,” a posthumous retrospective of Eldreth’s life and career from June 7-9 that will display a half-century collection of the artist’s work, from pottery to painting.

The Eldreth show will be the third exhibition for The Hook Experiment – a formerly abandoned industrial space in the Oxford Borough that has been repurposed into an exhibition space for area artists. Named after its original owners, the space was previously used as a warehouse for the Sears catalog and the corporate headquarters for a major retail business. 

As the upcoming show will reflect, Eldreth’s work evolved from Realism to Impressionism to a Semi-Abstract style, appealing to an emotional response rather than a subjective one. He found simplicity in complex emotions and at the same time created work that reflected a mystical, or ethereal appeal, while other pieces became experimental color studies. 

In partnership with his wife, Faye, Eldreth began Eldreth Pottery with the notion of exploring different pottery-making techniques while reviving the art of salt-glazed stoneware, a technique that was popular in America during the 18th century. The couple’s dedication to preserving traditional techniques and designs quickly gained recognition, and their pottery soon became sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. Over the years, Eldreth Pottery gained recognition for its distinctive style and commitment to preserving the heritage of American pottery – creating each piece by hand, using time-honored techniques and locally sourced and sustainable materials. 

Eldreth was also an art teacher and founder of the Outdoor Art Gallery in Oxford, an initiative that installs works by area artists in various sponsored outdoor spaces throughout the town and the borough.

“David was passionately involved in artistic projects that had nothing to do with his work at the studio, and his work is stunning,” said Vicki Vinton of the Hook Experiment, who is co-curating the Eldreth show with Faye Eldreth and artist John Baker. “I was familiar with his paintings and his pottery, but in between he was doing all kinds of other work. 

“David went to one of the shows at the Hook Experiment and told us that we would love to have a show there someday, so Faye helped to catalog all of his work that he had stored around their home. He was talented from the bottom of his toes to the top of his head, and we are honored to display his enormous talents.”

“David Eldreth: His Artistic Journey” will take place at the Hook Building, 45 South 3rd Street in Oxford beginning on June 7 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and extended to June 8 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and June 9 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. – and by appointment by calling (484)-643-3974 Admission will be free and open to the public, and some artwork will be for sale.

For more information on the Hook Experiment, visit its Instagram page. 

To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email [email protected].