Potter and Bentley Studios Desk Set

This natural bronze set consists of: Two letter trays with lids, interior braces, antique carved ivory inset details, (8 ⅞” x 11 ⅝” x 2″); an inkstand with storage containers and pen tray (9 ⅜” x 5 ⅜” x 1″H), with lids on each compartment and removable hinged lid dome over the glass inkwell.  The three lids on the inkstand are embellished with antique carved ivory details.

Also in the set: a 9 ½” letter opener with inset antique carved ivory on one side of the handle; a notepad cover with a hinged lid and inset with antique carved ivory on the top (6 ⅜” x 4 ⅜” x¾”H), and desk blotter ends (20 ⅛” x 30 ⅛”) with inset antique carved ivories. The notepad cover is stamped on the inside of the lid “The Potter Bentley Studios” “Cleveland”; the letter opener and the underside of the lids for the storage compartments are marked the same. The use of antique oriental carvings in ivory, jade and other hardstones became a trademark of Horace Potter’s work. Potter and Bentley Studios, Cleveland, was in operation between 1928 and 1933.

In 1907, Potter traveled to England where he gained inspiration from the Arts and Crafts Movement. This experience encouraged him to appreciate the tradition of handmade objects versus those made in the factory. He and acquaintance Louis Tiffany were instrumental in introducing the Arts and Crafts Movement in America. Potter exhibited his jewelry and holloware in the Studio as well as major art museums throughout the country. In 1928, The Potter Studio became The Potter Bentley Studios with the addition of partner Gurdon W. Bentley, and the firm moved to East 105th Street and Carnegie Avenue. The firm expanded its product lines to include fine china, silver jewelry, and garden accessories. In 1933, Bentley withdrew from the company, and Louis Mellen became a partner. Potter and Mellen, Inc. was established as a new corporation.