The catalogs of Marshall Studios are the key to understanding the growth and development of the company. Early catalogs focus on the parchment lampshade designs of Jessie Talbott Marshall. When Jane and Gordon Martz join the studio in June of 1951, stoneware becomes a focus. In the 1970's, the catalog system is used infrequently in favor of sales sheets and small printings. After their retirement in 1989, the final catalog is re-used until the close of the studio.
Early Marshall Studios: 1922-1950, Before Jane and Gordon Martz introduced stoneware
The Jane and Gordon Martz Era: 1950-1989
Late Marshall Studios: After Jane & Gordon retire in 1989
Marshall Studios Inc.
Indianapolis
Early 1930's
This early Marshall Studios catalog appears to be the earliest comprehensive catalog featuring hand-painted parchment lampshades from the original Indianapolis Studio started by Jessie Talbott Marshall in 1922.
Marshall Studios Inc.
Indianapolis
1934
The introduction from this catalog reads, "This is the original Marshall Parchment shade, which has been on the market under this name for twelve years. We have always stressed fine quality and workmanship with durability, and the shades in this line are perfectly at home with period furnishings, fine china and treasured heirlooms. They are carefully styled to keep abreast of today's decorative trend, and we have endeavored in our catalog to give a complete oicture of this versatile line."
Retail Price List, Lampshade Data Booklet and Supplementary Catalog Number Three A
Late 1940's
This catalog supplement is from the mid or late-1940's, after the move from Indianapolis to Veedersburg in 1941. The catalog combines a price list and ordering information including fitters, shapes and sizes, and applique designs.
Ceramics by Jane and Gordon Martz
Marshall Studios, Inc.
Spring 1952
[Unnumbered Catalog No. 1]
3 pages
A one-page hand-drawn folded sheet catalog, this represents the first work of Jane and Gordon Martz who joined the Veedersburg studio in 1951 after marrying and Gordon's graduation from Alfred University in 1951.
Marshall Studios, Inc.
1952
[Unnumbered Catalog No. 2]
36 pages
This transitional catalog shows the old and the new - lamps ordered and assembled prior to the design influence of Jane and Gordon, mixed with the first handmade stoneware creations. The early designs of Jane and Gordon show naivety and creativity from art school combined with a sensibility for modern form.
Ceramics by Jane and Gordon Martz
Marshall Studios, Inc.
Spring 1953
Accessories and Lamps
[Unnumbered Catalog No. 3]
26 pages
Ceramics
Jane and Gordon Martz
Marshall Studios, Inc.
Fall 1953
Accessories and Lamps
Catalog No. 4
33 pages
The Fall 1953 Catalog is similar to the spring catalog, with the addition of the googie P108 tray shape. This catalog features lamps with ceramic switch collars, a feature which was soon discontinued.
Ceramics
Jane and Gordon MARTZ
Marshall Studios, Inc.
Spring 1954
Accessories and Lamps
Catalog No. 5
33 pages
In the Spring 1954 Catalog, new tableware components are introduced which very cleverly use the lampshade metal wire as support elements for trays and candleholders. The candlestick/goblet form is first introduced here as a candlestick and no goblets are yet shown. The wide-bottomed M113 lamp shape is introduced as well as additional variatons on the stoneware switch collar.
Stoneware
Marshall Studios, Inc.
Accessories, Lamps, Tables
Designed by Jane and Gordon Martz
Fall 1955
Catalog No. 6
41 pages
Catalog 6 reintroduces the 8.5" x 11" format and includes a number of new shapes and patterns, including six vase shapes. This catalog is also the first to show wood and tile tables. Incised decorations have been added to the line of trays, and a number of multi-section taller lamps are introduced.
Stoneware Catalog No. 8
Accessories & Lamps
Marshall Studios, Inc.,
Veedersburg, Indiana
April 1957
Catalog No. 8
53 pages
Many new serveware and accessories are added in the spring of 1957, including: Clocks, bookends, lighters, coffee servers, and large finger-pressed planters. The glaze and decoration of trays has transitioned from painted designs with glossy overglaze to all matte glaze with more incised and geometric patterns. Taller and heavier lamp forms are introduced, including the first appearances of the rough-based floor lamp and floor lamp with round table insert.
Stoneware Catalog No. 8A
Supplement to Catalog No. 8
Accessories & Lamps
Marshall Studios, Inc.,
Veedersburg, Indiana
Fall 1957
Catalog No. 8A
25 pages
The first page of Catalog 8A features unique tile wall sculptures. Cast iron planter stands are shown in this catalog. New decotaions for lamps and large planters are bold, deeply incised and feel 'modern primitive,' similar to some artwork of the same period.
Catalog No. 12
Stoneware Tile Tables
Marshall Studios, Inc.
Veedersburg, Indiana
Late 1950's
Stoneware Catalog
No. 10
Accessories & Lamps
Marshall Studios, Inc.
Veedersburg, Indiana
Late 1950's
52 pages
Stoneware Tile Tables
Marshall Studios, Inc.,
Veedersburg, Indiana
Late 1950's
Catalog No. 9
24 pages
This is the first catalog dedicated solely to ordering tile tables. It includes various shapes, paterns and size charts for ordering tables.
Many tray shapes and decorations are featured in this catalog, as well as serving sets. A new addition is the P189 bowl on a round walnut foot. Gordon called this the "basketball bowl" because it was originally molded around a basketball. The lamp decorations in this catalog are more linear and simplified than in earlier catalogs.
Unfortunately, we only posess the cover artwork for this catalog.
Stoneware Catalog No. 14
Accessories
Marshall Studios, Inc.
Veedersburg, Indiana
1960
Extensive catalog of housewares, dinnerware and decorative trays featuring some full-color pages.
Lamp Catalog No. 16
stoneware table lamps
walnut and teak table lamps
floor lamps
Marshall Studios, Inc.
Veedersburg, Indiana
1960's
37 pages
Extensive lamp catalog with new tall designs including wood rounds between stacked stoneware segments. This catalog features nine new tabletop all-wood body lamps as well as new tall floor lamps in wood.
Lamp Catalog No. 17
Sroneware Table Lamps
Walnut and Teak Table Lamps
Floor Lamps
Marshall Studios, Inc.
Veedersburg, Indiana
1960's
52 pages
Catalog 17 is another extensive lamp catalog featuring new stoneware and stacked stoneware base shapes, hanging pendant lamps, squared wood and tile table lamps, and custom woven shades from Jane Martz loom textiles.
Marshall Studios Inc.
Lamp Supplement No. 17A
1960's
7 pages
New lamps introduced in supplement 17A include stacked walnut base lamps and highly geometric rhombic stoneware bases.
Marshall Studios Inc.
Stoneware Glaze Chart
No. 18
1960's
Stoneware glaze chart with actual tile samples and patterns.
Accessories
Catalog No. 19
Marshall Studios, Inc.
Veedersburg, Indiana
1960's
Extensive accessory catalog featuring many shapes, sizes and decorative patterns of household wares.
Boxed Stoneware Sets
Catalog No. 19A
Marshall Studios, Inc.
Veedersburg, Indiana
1960's
Accessory Supplement 19A
A small supplemental catalog focused on stoneware serving and dinnerware sets, with a selection of decorated trays, platters and bowls.
Home Accent Shop
Marshall Studios, Inc.
Veedersburg, Indiana
1960's
Catalog No. 20
The Home Accent Shop was Marshall Studios' retail shop in Veedersburg, Indiana. This thirteen-page catalog features a curated selection of Marshall Studios work including many interesting tile tables, stacked wooden and hanging pendant lamps, and selected dossal and curtain work from Jane's loom.
Lampshade Manual No. 21
Marshall Studios, Inc.
Veedersburg, Indiana
1960's
Catalog No. 21
This is a tri-folding black & white instruction manual for ordering custom empire and drum lampshades
Glaze Color and Decoration Chart - 22
Marshall Studios, Inc.
Veedersburg, Indiana
1960's
Catalog No. 22
A photographic 4-page bulletin highlighting glaze color and decor combinations.
Lamps
Marshall Studios, Inc.
Veedersburg, Indiana
1966
Catalog No. 23
32 pages
Updated lamp catalog including stoneware and handwoven hanging pendant lamps.
Handwoven Pillows
Designed by Jane Marshall Martz
Marshall Studios, Inc.,
Veedersburg, Indiana
Late 1960's
Catalog No. 24
In the 1960's, Jane began working with a loom producing woven tapestry works, curatains, dossals and pillows. This catalog highlights
Tile Tables
Marshall Studios, Inc.,
Veedersburg, Indiana
Late 1960's
Catalog No. 25
A very detailed catalog showing the extensive range of custom table designs from Marshall Studios.
Lamps - The Warmth of Lighting
Marshall Studios, Inc.,
Veedersburg, Indiana
ca 1960's
Catalog Nos. L1a, L2a, F2b, A3a and A2
This catalog is a compilation of seven printed documents stapled together to make one catalog. They include: L1a - Lamps, Lampshades - Ordering and Pricing Information, L2a - Pendants and Chandeliers, F2b - Stock and Custom Lowside and Lamp Table Catalog, A3a - Desk Accessories, A2 - Stoneware Planters, and finally glaze chart 22. It appears this may have been composed for institutional sales to universities or government agencies.
Counter Ring Lamps
Patent Shades & Stoneware Bases
Marshall Studios, Inc.,
Veedersburg, Indiana
Catalog No. 31
A two-sided sales sheet featuring a new method of attaching lampshades and groovy new colors and finishes to the shades. The counter-ring shade fastens the shade from the bottom and is an interesting precursor to the contemporary popular style of small shade.
Trays
Marshall Studios, Inc.,
Veedersburg, Indiana
Catalog No. 32
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Stoneware Glaze Chart
Catalog No. 34
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Marshall Studios
Marshall Studios, Inc.,
Veedersburg, Indiana
1974
Catalog No. 35
A commonly found Marshall Studios catalog with a caramel brown embossed cover and pages in full color or gold duotone. Unlike previous catalogs, lamps, tables and accessories are photographed in simple vignettes. This is the last catalog with art direction by Gordon Martz.
Marshall Studios
Marshall Studios, Inc.,
Veedersburg, Indiana
1989. Price list 1990
Catalog No. 36
The last Marshall Studios catalog printed, published after the retirement of Jane and Gordon Martz. Noticeable are the addition of brass bases and tapered lampshades, indicative of some stylistic trends of the time. Included is the 1990 price list.
Genesis Wood & Stoneware
Veedersburg, Indiana
Early 1990's
The same catalog as #36, but the cover has Marshall Studios marked out in black marker and a Genesis Wood & Stoneware label affixed to the bottom. Many items are shown staged in a curio, and a few new items are seen - a hippopotamus and some very colorful large floral trivets.
George Kovacs
New York, NY
Late 1950's - early 1960's
Catalog by George Kovacs, modern lighting distributor in New York City from the late 1950's or early 1960's. This was found in the ephemera of Marshall Studios. Many of the tall wood lamps are often confused with Marshall Studios. This catalog is included to help differentiate Marshall Studios designs from imported lamps sold by Kovacs.