David Cressey, a multi-disciplinary artist who had a six-decade career, created pottery and ceramics that revolutionized indoor/outdoor planters with their architectural style. Implementing artistic functionality into his pieces, Cressey designed in modern and mid-century modern styles. He created many planters, vases and table lamps, which remain highly desirable to collectors.
Cressey was the first artist in residence at Architectural Pottery in Los Angeles in 1961, helping to transform its urban and residential work. This was highly influential in the architecture and design worlds as the company mass-produced and sold sculptural, functional pieces.
Cressey also opened a design studio in Venice Beach, California, collaborating with Group Artec and Earthgender Ceramics. When Architectural Pottery closed in the mid-1980s due to a fire, Cressey continued to produce art, this time in the medium of mixed media on wood.
Cressey artwork evokes a similar physical and sensory experience as his vessels, lanterns and folk art ceramics. Evocatively Californian, his paintings evolved from his clay-based practice with a masterful use of color, saturation and texture. His fine art training included studying at the University of Southern California under Vivika Heino and at the University of California, Los Angeles, with Laura Andreson.
In 2006, he received the California Design Award. Museums that have exhibited his work include the Pasadena Art Museum in 1967, the Everson Museum of Art in 1961, the Oakland Museum of California in 1961 and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in 2011.
On 1stDibs, find a rare collection of David Cressey building and garden elements, decorative objects, lighting and more.
David Cressey Glazed Drip Texture Ceramic Table Lamp for Architectural Pottery
By David Cressey, Architectural Pottery
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Glazed Ceramic, New Custom Linen Shade, New Brass Hardware Dimensions: 35in H x 10in W x 10in D Lamp Shade: 12in H x 18in W ________________________________________ Tra...
Brass
Mid-Century Glazed Ceramic w/ Brass Tripod Base Table Lamp by Marbro
By The Marbro Lamp Company
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This striking Mid-Century Modern table lamp by Marbro Lamp Co. is a statement piece that blends artistry with functionality. The lamp features a beautifully textured glazed ceramic b...
Brass
Expertly Restored- Mid-Century Ceramic Pottery Table Lamp by Jane & Gordon Martz
By Gordon Martz
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designer: Jane & Gordon Martz Manufacturer: Martz Studio Dimensions: 29.50in H x 8in W x 8in D Lamp Shades: 10in H x 17in W ________________________________________ Transformi...
Brass
Expertly Restored - Mid-Century Sculpted Table Lamp by Jack Haywood for Modeline
By J & G Haywood
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This striking table lamp by Modeline exemplifies mid-century modern artistry with its sculpted korina wood base and elegant, elongated form. The fluid curves and open design create a...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Table Lamp by Laurel
By Laurel Lamp Company
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Patinated Metal, Faux Wood, New Custom Linen Shade Dimensions: 36.50in H x 5.50in W x 5.50in D Lamp Shade: 10in H x 15in W x 15in D _________________________ Transforming...
Metal
Expertly Restored - Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Brass Table Lamp by Laurel
By Laurel Lamp Company
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Patinated Metal, Faux Wood, New Shade Dimensions: 31in H x 5in W x 5in D Lamp Shade: 10in H x 13in - 15in W. ________________________________________ Transforming a pie...
Metal
Substantial David Cressey Pale Olive & Umber Art Pottery Table Lamp, 1960's
By David Cressey
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Large California Modern David Cressey speckled pottery table lamp, 1960s. Featuring a handcrafted smoothly speckled two tone bulbous glazed stoneware form, with earthen base. Pale Ol...
Ceramic
Large Scale David Cressey Green Ceramic Lamp, circa 1970
By David Cressey
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Large Scale David Cressey Green Ceramic Lamp, circa 1970. Measures: 17.5" to the top of the ceramic base. 23" to the top of the socket. 12.88" Diameter. ( The lamp shade is no...
Ceramic
David Cressey Ceramic Table Lamp for Architectural Pottery with Textured Surface
By David Cressey, Architectural Pottery
Located in Chicago, IL
Ceramic table lamp designed by David Cressey for Architectural Pottery. It has a speckled brown glaze over a creamy base color and a textural surface treatment of freely applied squi...
Ceramic
Mid Century David Cressey Textured Glaze Ceramic Stoneware Pottery Table Lamp
By David Cressey, Architectural Pottery
Located in Troy, MI
Large scale textured ceramic lamp by David Cressey for Architectural Pottery circa 1970s Dark olive glazed stoneware with applied abstract textured design Mounted to wood base 10 i...
Ceramic, Stoneware
David Cressey Pro Artisan Ceramic Table lamp
By David Cressey
Located in San Francisco, CA
David Cressey Pro Artisan series large ceramic table lamp. Impressive and commanding scale lamp with applied geometric relief on an asymmetri...
Ceramic
Mid-Century Green & Umber Ceramic Lava Glaze Table Lamp w/ Antiqued Fittings
Located in New York, NY
This well scaled and materially striking Mid-Century Modernist Ceramic Lava Glaze Table Lamp in Green & Umber W/Antiqued Brass & Walnut Fittings originates from the United States, Ci...
Brass
