This pinch pot from the collection of the Museum of Mississippi History was made by George Ohr (1857-1918). Ohr, sometimes referred to as the “mad potter of Biloxi,” built his first pottery in the 1880s and made delicate and unique pots filled with twists, dents, and folds. Although he received little popular acclaim in his lifetime, Ohr is now regarded as one of the United States’ finest artist-potters, and his pieces can be found in many world-class museums. The Mississippi State Historical Museum (now called the Museum of Mississippi History) was the first museum to hold an exhibit of Ohr’s work in 1978.
Artifacts in the collection of the Museum of Mississippi History are available for viewing by appointment only. Please contact Cindy Gardner, Director of Collections or Nan Prince, Asst. Director of Collections by email to schedule an appointment.