Hutchings Gallery

This exhibition explores the various processes and techniques used to manufacture pottery, the common materials used, and the historic cultures from South America, Mexico, and the American Southwest. The featured artifacts include a stunning assemblage of pottery wares dating from 300 AD through the 20th century, and are a rare opportunity to see part of the museum’s permanent collection that are not closely connected to the Galveston area.

The museum would like to express its deepest appreciation to the following donors and families for the artifacts included in this exhibit: L. A. Cabral; Mr. J. O. Dyer; Dr. E. Burk Evans; Mrs. A. P. Hall; Mr. Percy Holt; Mrs. Henry J. Jumonville; Mrs. Charles E. Meador; Mrs. A. G. Mills; Mr. and Mrs. William Pabst; Mr. Walter Pratt; Ms. Bereneice Raphael; and Mr. Richard L. Stavrakis.

Mexican pitcher The production of pottery is one of the oldest forms of ancient art as civilizations have used durable, waterproof containers for centuries. Fragments of pottery, called potsherds, are one of the most common finds discovered on archaeological sites. These remnants offer historians insight about the organization, economic condition, and cultural development of the societies that produced or acquired pottery.

One of the most unusual pre-Columbian items on display is a tripod bowl from the Chiriqui Province in the Republic of Panama. It was collected by Richard Stavrakis, and dates to 1200 AD. Patrons can view the bird designs featured on the rim of the bowl as well as the upper portion of the three legs. Another exquisite example of pre-Columbian ceramic ware is a Guangalan whistle from coastal Ecuador. The whistle is in the form of a man wearing an elaborate necklace, loin cloth, and earrings, and displays the cultural art of cranial deformation.

Two beautiful water pitchers of Mexican origin are featured in the exhibit among other ceramic dishes of the Mesoamerican region. Both water pitchers have intricate floral designs and are finished in a clear glaze. A variety of Native American pottery from the Hopi, Zuni, and Acoma Nations are also on display. Pottery enthusiasts will see polychrome vases by well-known artist Fannie Nampeyo as well as striking pieces of San Ildefonso black ware pottery by Maria and Julian Martinez.

Native American Bowl An assortment of potsherds, stone ware, and other ceramic decorations are featured in the gallery’s flat cases. Especially notable items include Mexican clay figurines and grinding stone that were carved from ancient volcanic rock.

Patrons of all ages will enjoy exploring these relics from across the Americas. Pottery of the Americas: An Exhibit of Pre-Columbian, Mexican, and Native American Pottery is located in the Hutchings Gallery on the third floor of Rosenberg Library. It is open to the public Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm. Admission is free of charge. For more information, please contact the Museum at 409-763-8854 ext. 125.

View a selection of items on display in the exhibit Pottery of the Americas: an exhibit of Pre-Columbian, Mexican, and Native American pottery. By clicking on the controls, you can manipulate the viewer. To see the exhibit in full screen, click the far right icon. Moving your cursor over the pictures in full screen view will enable a brief description of the items. These and many more items are on display in the Hutchings Gallery.

Past Exhibits

History of the Hutchings Gallery

In 1968, Sealy Hutchings, Jr., Robert Knox Hutchings, Elizabeth Hutchings Cavin, and Mary Hutchings pledged a donation to the Rosenberg Library Building Fund for its expansion project. The Hutchings Gallery was established as a memorial to their parents, Sealy Hutchings, Sr. and Mary Moody Hutchings. The room was dedicated in 1971 after the library’s Moody Memorial Wing was completed.

The oil portraits on the west wall are of John Henry Hutchings (1826-1906) and his wife, Minnie Knox Hutchings. The couple married in 1856, and they had eight children. In 1845, John H. Hutchings, the father of Sealy Hutchings, Sr., formed a partnership with John Sealy and George Ball, creating Ball, Hutchings, and Company. John Hutchings negotiated the bonds to construct the first bridge across the bay and was instrumental in improving Galveston’s harbor. During the Civil War, Hutchings was active in importing arms and other supplies for the military. He later became president of the Galveston Wharf Company.

On the south side of the room are charcoal portraits of Sealy Hutchings, Sr. (1869-1936) and Mary Moody Hutchings (1870-1943). Together they had seven children. Sealy Hutchings served as president of his father’s banking firm, which also handled wholesale dry goods. Mary Moody Hutchings was the daughter of Col. W.L. Moody, one of Galveston’s most prominent and successful businessmen. Mrs. Hutchings was involved with numerous civic and educational projects in the community.

The large landscape painting on the east wall was given to the Hutchings Family by Waters Davis, a fellow Galvestonian. Davis purchased the work during the late nineteenth century while on vacation in Europe. The mountain landscape, entitled Vue de Sogefjord, was painted by Olaf Peterson. On the north wall hangs a portrait of Sealy Hutchings, Sr. as a young boy with his brother, George Hutchings.

Over the years, the Hutchings Family has made numerous gifts to the Rosenberg Library, greatly enhancing its museum and archival collections.

Rosenberg Library Museum