Newark Museum of Art Restores Ownership of David Drake Jug
The museum returned the 1852 stoneware vessel to descendants before repurchasing it for display.
1Restoring Ancestral Ownership
The Newark Museum of Art has formally transferred ownership of an 1852 stoneware jug to the descendants of David Drake, an enslaved potter from South Carolina. This initiative follows a summer dialogue between the museum and the artist's heirs, aiming to address the provenance of the piece within the institution's collection.
2Strategic Repurchase Agreement
Following the transfer of ownership to the Dave the Potter Legacy Trust, the museum repurchased the vessel for its permanent collection. This arrangement ensures the artifact remains publicly accessible while honoring the family's rights. The purchase was funded by the Mr. and Mrs. William V. Griffin and Barbara Harrison Wescott funds.
3Industry-Wide Restitution Momentum
This action follows an historic 2025 agreement by the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, which returned two major vessels to Drake’s family. Similar restitution efforts have since occurred at the Telfair Museums, the Georgia Museum of Art, and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, signaling a broader shift in how museums handle provenance.
4Institutional Internal Process
Lisa Funderburke, the museum’s director, initiated the process after being approached by senior registration staff. Funderburke engaged the board of trustees to align the decision with the museum's future vision. The institution views this collaborative approach as a guiding principle for its ongoing commitment to ethical collection management and historical transparency.
5Valuation and Market Context
The ceramic vessel was appraised at approximately $135,000 before the repurchase agreement was finalized. While significant, this figure remains well below the record auction price for a Drake work, which stands at $1.65 million for a 25-Gallon Poem Jar sold in 2021. The market for Drake's pottery continues to show strong appreciation.
6Honoring a Complex Legacy
David Drake, active during the 19th century, created his works while living under South Carolina's anti-literacy laws. Despite being legally classified as three-fifths of a person, his craftsmanship and inscriptions demonstrate profound intellectual resistance. His descendants emphasize that his work serves as a vital educational tool regarding the history of enslavement.
7Educational Mission Alignment
The museum originally acquired the jug in 2022 to enhance its American art galleries, specifically the 'Seeing America' exhibition. By returning and then purchasing the work, the museum maintains its ability to teach the history of enslaved labor while simultaneously fostering a respectful, ongoing relationship with the artist's living family members.
8Future of Provenance Research
The Newark case highlights a move away from zero-sum disputes toward collaborative partnerships in the museum sector. As institutions increasingly prioritize ethical engagement, the focus shifts toward identifying ways to collaborate with descendants. This model provides a template for other museums currently holding works by historically marginalized or enslaved artists.
Original article: The Art Newspaper — Newark Museum of Art Restores Ownership of David Drake Jug