CLARKSVILLE, Tenn (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Fred and Judy Landiss were introduced to Boehm Porcelain sculptures over 25 years ago. These delicately crafted figurines highlight the beautiful details found in wildlife and nature. Since then, Boehm sculptures have held a significant place in the their hearts.
In 1995, the Landiss’ raised and donated funds in honor of the late Lucy Dunwody to display over 50 Boehm Porcelain pieces at the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center. The Dunwody Boehm Porcelain Collection has grown to over 125 pieces over the years, making the Museum home to one of the largest Boehm collections in the southeast.
Every piece will be on display to celebrate 25 years of the collection. The Museum houses a variety of flower and bird Boehm sculptures, including roses, irises, cherry blossoms, bluebirds, 3-inch tall owls and a bald eagle. For the celebration, the collection will move from its home in the DeWald Gallery to the spacious Crouch Gallery where visitors may explore the figurines.
“We urge both lovers of carefully-crafted art and nature enthusiasts to visit and view these sculptures that have been so meticulously assembled. Each piece contains impeccable detail and vibrant color,” explains Terri Jordan, Curator of Exhibits. “We appreciate how much the Landiss’ have put into this collection and we look forward to many more years of collecting new pieces.”
Artist Edward Boehm started his art studio with no formal art training and mastered the art of porcelain. He and his wife, Helen, created pieces that are now appreciated around the world. Boehm sculptures are found in the Metropolitan Museum and the Vatican, as well as the personal collections of Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles and Pope John Paul II. For years, the White House has presented sculptures as de facto state gifts to foreign dignitaries.
Each Boehm sculpture is molded from clay and broken down into separate components (some sculptures contain up to 1,200 pieces of clay). Once the models are cast and assembled, they are sent to the kiln for firing and are re-fired between applications of paint. The sculpture is fired again after the final paint coat. Lastly, the finishing pieces are added, including the metal stem, flowers and stamens.
Over the past two decades, the collection has been featured in national media such as Southern Living Magazine and Nashville Public Television’s Tennessee Crossroads. Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Lucy Dunwody Boehm Porcelain Collection will be on view Feb. 23 through May 3, 2020 in the Crouch Gallery.