Theaster Gates has acquired the Pickard China factory in Antioch, Illinois, for an undisclosed sum. The Chicago-based artist plans to rejuvenate the business, continuing Pickard’s legacy as the sole high-end china manufacturer in the U.S.
Preserving a Legacy
The Pickard China factory, located about 50 miles northwest of Chicago, is a bustling space filled with the sounds and smells of traditional china production. Employees like Rachael Keeling, a veteran craftsperson from Britain, hand-paint porcelain items destined for esteemed clients like the White House and luxury hotels.
Despite its prestigious clientele, the factory faces challenges. The building requires repairs and upgrades, and production is just a quarter of what it was during its peak in the 1970s. This struggle is partly due to escalating costs and shifting lifestyle trends since the 1970s, leading many American china factories to close or move operations overseas.
A New Chapter with Theaster Gates
Theaster Gates connected with Pickard through his friendship with Illinois First Lady MK Pritzker. With influencing friends like the Obamas, Gates is well-positioned in both art and social circles. His art installations, crafted from salvaged materials, fetch high prices and are featured in major museums. Gates also collaborates with Prada on various projects.
Gates’s acquisition was driven by his expansive vision of art. He aims to bring artisanal manufacturing back to prominence. Recognizing the factory’s potential, he accepted the offer from Andy Pickard Morgan, the fourth-generation leader of the company, who was nearing retirement.
An Artist’s Vision
The partnership between Gates and Pickard might seem unconventional, yet Gates’s approach aligns with the factory’s artistic nature. As a ceramicist focused on Japanese and African-American traditions, Gates celebrates lesser-known Black potters. He has transformed several defunct Chicago buildings into cultural centers, including the Stony Island Arts Bank.
For Gates, acquiring Pickard represents an opportunity to merge his art with practical business challenges. The factory needs urgent improvements, including a new roof and HVAC system. Gates’s immediate goals are to build a competent team for daily operations while steering the company’s creative direction. Pickard Morgan will stay on in an executive role to aid the transition.
Gates remains optimistic about the task ahead. He plans to innovate within both the business and his artistic practice, incorporating porcelain into his creative projects.