The Georgia Museum of Art announced an agreement Wednesday with the descendants of ceramicist David Drake, allowing the museum to own and display the artist’s work, while recognizing his heirs as the rightful beneficiaries.
Also known as “Dave the Potter,” Drake was an enslaved African American who displayed high talent in his artwork when residing in the pottery center in Edgefield, South Carolina, during the mid-19th century.
According to Drake’s heirs, he was forced to “create tens of thousands of ceramic vessels,” where he inscribed his pots with his name, the date and original verses of poetry.
As of 2026, 250 identifiable pieces are estimated to remain in the possession of museums and private collections.
“David Drake created work of extraordinary skill, beauty and utility while enslaved — work he was never permitted to own, sell or pass on to his own family,” said David Odo, former director and chief curator at the Georgia Museum of Art, in a Wednesday press release.
