The Stylized Dinnerware Art of Charles Cobelle

Charles Cobelle (Born Charles Edelman. 1902-1994) was originally from France. His studies included work at L’Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris and private instruction under Marc Chagall. As if that wasn't enough, he worked under Raul Dufy's watchful eye. In the late 1920s, Dufy moved to the United States. In the late 1940s to 1950s, Cobelle lived in Westport, Connecticut. It was at this time that his work with dinnerware decoration began to garner attention. Cobelle patterns all share a similar style with his paintings and prints that are found today. The light-hearted Fifties style graced the dinnerware of Universal Potteries (Painted Desert, Mermaid, Passy, Gloucester, Fisherman, and The Fountain. 1950), Salem China (Mirage, c.1951), and Santa Anita [Cosmopolitan]. It is possible that his designs ended up on other pottery's wares as well, since it appears that he freelanced for Commercial Decal. This Mirage pattern (Salem China for Harmony House. c.1951. Pattern by Charles Cobelle. Shape: Viktor Schreckengost.) seen to the right, garnered Cobelle a 2nd place prize at the 14th annual Ceramic National competition held in Syracuse, NY in 1949. The Syracuse event was actually the First National Exhibition of Dinnerware Decoration held at the Ceramic Nationals. Other winners at this competition included Arnold Blanch, Anton Refregier, and Florence Wainwright. All the decorations at this competition were in a wonderfully modernistic style so typical of the mid-century.

The following Cobelle decorations were recently found on Sovereign Potteries (Canada) dinner plates:
Santa Anita's [Cosmopolitan] pattern:
Information about Cobelle's history prior to 1940s from Eclectic Art & Object Gallery. Browse around as they have a virtual gallery of Cobelle's art work.