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Lulu Scott Backus ceramics

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: RITArt-0008

Scope and Contents

Lulu Scott Backus ceramics contain 10 pieces: 4 pitchers, 1 bowl, 1 platter, 1 cup, 2 vases, and 1 teapot. Each piece has a different colored glaze.

Dates

  • Creation: circa 1920-1935

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open to researchers.

Biographical / Historical

Lulu Scott Backus (1873-1955) taught ceramics at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) for 34 years, and for a period, served as head of the department when the University was known as the Rochester Athenaeum and Mechanics Institute. Backus exhibited her work widely, and was known for her colorful and experimental glazing techniques.

Backus attended the State Normal School at Brockport. After graduating, she worked at Brockport School 13 where she was the principal, and also taught drawing and music. She also taught drawing at the Rochester School for the Deaf.

Her affiliation with RIT began when she attended the art and craft teacher training program, and completed her postgraduate work with Theodore Hanford Pond, working in jewelry and pottery. Later, she specialized in ceramics and worked under Charles Fergus Binns at Alfred University. She returned to the Rochester Athenaeum and Mechanics Institute and served as director of the Craft and Ceramic Department starting in 1918. She remained at RIT until her retirement in 1952.

Lulu Scott Backus died in 1955 at the age of 82.

Extent

10 Item(s)

Language

English

Overview

The collection contains 10 pieces of ceramics made by artist Lulu Scott Backus.

Arrangement

Ceramic pieces are stored by size within the RIT Art on Campus collection.

Physical Location

C.S. North, Shelves 74, 75, 77, 80 (with Art on Campus collections)

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Ceramic pitcher and vase were donated by Susan Hohn Sandman on behalf of Lewis E. Hohn.

Accession number(s): 2009:36

Four pieces were donated to the RIT Archive Collection by Mrs. Stephen (Irene Adams) Sillay in 1986.

Accession number(s): 1986:001

Processing Information

Finding aid created by Amy Vilz in August 2011.

Title
Lulu Scott Backus ceramics
Status
Published
Subtitle
RIT Art Collection
Author
Amy Vilz
Date
19 August 2011
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
English

Repository Details

Part of the RIT Archives Repository

Contact:
Rochester NY 14623 USA