Theaster Gates has taken a step into the world of porcelain manufacturing by acquiring the Pickard China factory in Antioch, Illinois. The artist, known for his work connecting art with community, purchased the business recently, although the sum remains undisclosed.
The Pickard China factory, located 50 miles northwest of Chicago, represents the last standing company in America producing high-end porcelain. Gates intends to bring artisanal manufacturing back to the forefront.
“The idea that Pickard could be a place bringing artisanal manufacturing back to the fore – that’s very exciting,” said Gates during one of his visits to the factory.
Despite serving prestigious clients like the White House, U.S. embassies, and upscale retailers such as Williams-Sonoma, Pickard has been struggling with decline. The factory requires significant repairs and upgrades, with a current output merely a quarter of its peak in the 1970s.
A Long Decline
Once, several companies manufactured fine china in the U.S., but Pickard now stands alone. The fine china industry saw a decline due to rising manufacturing costs and the shift toward casual lifestyles, leading most companies to outsource production.
Philip Scranton, historian at Rutgers University, attributes Pickard’s survival to “stubbornness and legacy,” crediting founder Wilder Pickard’s perseverance since launching the company in 1893.
An Art World Titan
Theaster Gates collaborated with Illinois First Lady MK Pritzker for a project requiring homewares, which led him to Pickard. Pritzker facilitated the connection, highlighting Pickard as the only American fine china maker.
Upon learning of Andy Pickard Morgan’s impending retirement, Gates was offered the opportunity to oversee the firm. Morgan emphasized Gates’ potential to enhance company’s legacy, rather than selling to a turnaround company focused on profit.
Gates, known for restoring and repurposing defunct buildings and archives, sees this acquisition as aligning with his vision. He previously transformed a hardware store and condemned bank into cultural spaces, showcasing his commitment to legacy preservation.
Linda Johnson Rice, Johnson Publishing’s chairman, notes Gates’ respect for building upon legacy, although managing an active company presents new challenges.
A Daunting Assignment
The challenges facing Gates include urgent factory repairs, like a new roof and HVAC system, while building a team to manage daily operations. Despite these hurdles, Gates remains optimistic, viewing the acquisition as a poetic addition to his artistic journey.
He plans to explore porcelain in his work, expanding his ceramics focus, now backed by ownership of a china factory.