Matthew Adams Alaska Pottery – A Juneau trading post located in Alaska created a booming tourist trade in the 1950s, which prompted them to contact noted designer Sacha Brastoff to create a line of decorative ceramics featuring traditional Alaskan scenes including Eskimos and native animals such as polar bears, walruses and caribous. Matthew Adams was selected as the designer and the Alaska line was created. We take a look at Matthew Adams Alaska Pottery which have become popular collector’s items along with a small Matthew Adams price guide.

Matthew accepted the offer and created pieces for the trading post with the label Sascha B or Brastoff on the front, and his pattern number on the back. Matthew Adams style was more rustic than Brastoff’s more modern imagery and more in keeping with the Alaskan motifs required. Matthew’s Alaska work was extremely successful and he left Brastoff’s studio after three years to open his own.

Although early examples of Adams Alaskana are signed “Sascha B.” or “Brastoff,” this reflects the star power that name held, rather than a true indicator that the designs were actually Brastoff’s. Certainly, the illustrations bear little resemblance to anything else in the Brastoff repertoire.

Pieces made in his studio are all signed Matthew Adams in script on the front and many carry the word Alaska as well. These ceramics represent an important part of Alaskan history, and Matthew Adams’ work stands as a testament to the beauty of his designs. He created artwork on a number of pottery shapes including decanters, bowls, teapots, ashtrays, salt and peppers,  and a large range of different style vases.

The Matthew Adams Studio continues to manufacture pieces inspired by Matthew’s original designs. Matthew Adams’ early designs are very collectibles and are highly sought after in the world of ceramics and decorative arts. He has left an indelible mark on the craft and will be remembered for his distinctive style and skill. Matthew Adams’ pieces reflect a unique blend of artistic vision, technical precision, and Alaskan culture.

He has truly left an inspiring legacy that continues to bring joy to art lovers all over the world.

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