Now on view at the Newark Museum, 100 Masterpieces of Art Pottery examines the rise of art pottery as response to factory production. While artistic pottery was nothing new, the anti-industrial bend to production in the United States makes the story one of aesthetic awakening. Given the focus on skilled craft, the presented material should have enormous resonance today. The exhibition is accompanied by a full color catalog, as well as an extremely informative web component.

A full review of 100 Masterpieces of Art Pottery is available at the Bee. The show runs through January 10, 2010.

More examples after the jump.

Written by Amanda Vickery, Behind Closed Doors introduces readers to men and women of all social classes and walks of life. Through a vast array of archival material (from upholsterers records to burglary trials) Vickery explores the home as social arena. Social visiting grew to new heights in the period, relaying increasing importance on home decoration. Ornament, the women’s roll in decoration, and the social currency of taste are all integral to Vickery’s points of discovery.

Available now from Yale University Press.

Freshly open at the New York Historical Society, Lincoln and New York focuses on exactly what you might expect. The exhibition explores the connection between Abe and the great metropolis, allowing for discussion of Civil War politics and public feeling in a New York context. Additionally, the argument for the influence of New York media on Lincoln’s election is posed and well documented.

On view through March 25, 2010.

Edward Rothstein reviews Lincoln and New York fully in today’s New York Times. Head to the jump to see more installation views via the related slide show.

Today’s NYT delivers a fantastic interactive feature with Clayton Patterson discussing life on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Complimenting his words are magnificent photographs capturing the style and life of the neighborhood (all courtesy of Kinz Tillou). Topics tackled include bodegas, fashion, and Tompkins Park.

Alife opened a new exhibition of Patterson’s work last night, so hustle down to the L.E.S. for the full on experience. L.E.S. Captured runs until November 25, 2009.

More images after the jump.

James D. Julia Auctions in Fairfield, Maine hosts its annual rare and historic firearms sale October 6-7. Items range from the morbid death mask of FBI most wanted bank robber John Dillinger to a 1968 Browning pistol with a gold trigger, pearl hand grips, and a fancy engraved barrel. The sale can be previewed in person Oct. 2-5 or online here.

Above is lot number 2408, a Belgian Knuckleduster Revolver. estimated at $7,000-$9,000.

More highlights from the auction after the jump.

Hyannis Port dealers Alan Granby and Janice Hyland share privitly held masterworks (both fine and folk art) in their new book Flying the Colors. The result is a rich survey of material never before unveiled to a public audience. Contributors include Stuart Frank, senior curator at the New Bedford Whaling Museum, and Dr. Samuel Laufer. The volume is published by Mystic Seaport Museum in association with Hudson Hills Press.

Full review in this weeks Bee.

Outbreak 1939 opened on August 20, 2009 at London’s Imperial War Museum (a magnificent place). The exhibition examines how the announcement of war shaped the lives of everyday citizens. Posters detailing the war effort, spurring service, and educating the populous are among the most striking objects included. These run from the now familiar “Keep Calm Carry On” to highly instructive pieces designed to help people cope with an air raid.

Check out Outbreak through September 6, 2010. The above link will also take you to a page from which you can explore further both posters and images.

More selected posters after the jump.

In American Fashion Menswear, fashion historian Robert E. Bryan travels from Levi’s through Zoot Suits to the present exploring the evolution of American fashion. The topic, undoubtedly, is rich. And, Bryan’s assertion that shifts in fashion are deeply rooted in American history are not unfounded. Additionally, Bryan’s effort celebrates the quintessentially American themes that are emulated in fashion the world over.

The book is a collaborative publication by the Council of Fashion Designers Association and Assouline Books.

Sporting history builds with a series of different source material – game film, statistics, and newspaper articles meld with folklore and oral histories. Then, of course, there are the objects. A welcome portion of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s website introduces visitors to new acquisitions. Currently included is the above helmet, worn by quarterback Doug Williams in Super Bowl XXII (where he lead the Redskins to victory over the Denver Broncos) and Floyd Little’s jersey from his last season with the Broncos in 1975.

These objects do more than just celebrate the players, they also remind of the values of seasons past and allow an opportunity to think of how safety measures and uniforms have developed over time.

Signs of the Times ran at the Nantucket Historical Society from May to September of 2006. The exhibition covered the changing face of the Island through a wonderful collection of shop signs. Everything from restuaruants to blacksmiths were included.

For those intrigued, Signs of the Times lives on in digital form. Items like the famous Island Record Sign (above) and the Downyflake Doughnut Shop marker (after the jump) tell some neat tales of Nantucket’s past. Plus, sign painting is a such a grand American art form that there isn’t much pictured that won’t elicit some interest.

More signs after the jump, many more at this link.