San Francisco Ceramic Circle

The San Francisco Ceramic Circle was founded in 1972 from the great interest generated from a museum show entitled "Uncommon Clay," a loan exhibition of 18th century porcelain and pottery at the California Palace of the Legion of Honor in Lincoln Park, San Francisco.

Many of the lenders at that show met each other, shared their enthusiasm, and became organizers and the first members of the San Francisco Ceramic Circle. The SFCC now has over 150 members and is affiliated with the Fine Art Museums of San Francisco.

Today members come from all over the United States, with the largest concentration from the Bay Area. Members include those just starting their interest in ceramics, serious collectors, and antique dealers. All are welcome.

We all have one thing in common: a keen interest in antique porcelain and pottery, the willingness to share knowledge about the ceramic arts, and the desire to learn more about this beautiful and enduring art form.

Meetings generally are held once a month, except in December and January, at the California Palace of the Legion of Honor in San Francisco. Each meeting is usually devoted to a lecture on a specific topic, with a speaker either from within the group or an invited authority on his or her special field of interest. Many of the leading porcelain experts of the world have spoken to the SFCC. Lectures have covered a wide range of topics from the superb early English factories of Bow, Chelsea, Worcester, and Longton Hall; the great Continental factories of Meissen, Vincennes, Sevres, St. Cloud, and Chantilly; and Chinese Export porcelain and other Asian wares. Experts also have covered subjects such as design sources, painting techniques, production methods and, social history.

Some of the most interesting and lively sessions are called "pot nights.'' At these meetings, all members are encouraged to bring in their latest ceramic treasures, talk about their great finds, and, in some cases, discover more about them from the members who have special expertise in the subject.

Biennially, the SFCC sponsors a weekend seminar on ceramics and, occasionally conducts house tours of its members' collections. SFCC also supports the Fine Arts Museums and lends pieces from members' collections to the Porcelain Room at the Palace of the Legion of Honor. From time to time we also purchase a special piece for the permanent collection.

New members are always welcome; membership is open to everyone interested in the collection and appreciation of fine pottery and porcelain. Click here for more information.