Lifetime Achievement

Eva Zeisel

Born in Budapest, Hungary, Zeisel’s career is international in scope and spans more than 75 years. Known for lyrical and shapely ceramics, she has produced over 100,000 objects. She describes her approach to design as “the playful search for beauty.” In 1946, she was the first designer in America to create an all-white Modern dinner service, which was honored with a special exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. She was also first to teach ceramics as industrial design for mass production, rather than handicraft at Pratt Institute, New York. At the age of 98, Zeisel is still designing for manufacturers including Nambé; KleinReid; Acme; The Imperial Porcelain Factory, St. Petersburg, Russia; and, Royal Stafford for Crate & Barrel. Currently, a retrospective of her work is on view at Hillwood Museum & Gardens, Washington through December 4, 2005.