Clarksville, TN – Fred and Judy Landiss were introduced to Boehm Porcelain sculptures over 25 years ago. These delicately crafted figurines highlight the beautiful details found in wildlife and nature.
The Landiss’ realized after traveling how valuable and significant each piece is. Since then, Boehm sculptures have held a significant place in the Landiss’ hearts.
In 1995, the Landiss’ raised and donated funds in honor of the late Lucy Dunwody to display over 50 Boehm Porcelain pieces at the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center.
The Dunwody Boehm Porcelain Collection has grown to over 125 pieces over the years, making the Museum home to one of the largest Boehm collections in the southeast.
Every piece will be on display to celebrate 25 years of the collection.
The Museum houses a variety of flower and bird Boehm sculptures, including roses, irises, cherry blossoms, bluebirds, 3-inch tall owls and a bald eagle. For the celebration, the collection will move from its home in the DeWald Gallery to the spacious Crouch Gallery where visitors may explore the figurines.
Artist Edward Boehm started his art studio with no formal art training and mastered the art of porcelain. He and his wife, Helen, created pieces that are now appreciated around the world. Boehm sculptures are found in the Metropolitan Museum and the Vatican, as well as the personal collections of Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles and Pope John Paul II. For years, the White House has presented sculptures as de facto state gifts to foreign dignitaries.
Each Boehm sculpture is molded from clay and broken down into separate components (some sculptures contain up to 1,200 pieces of clay). Once the models are cast and assembled, they are sent to the kiln for firing and are re-fired between applications of paint. The sculpture is fired again after the final paint coat. Lastly, the finishing pieces are added, including the metal stem, flowers and stamens.
Over the past two decades, the collection has been featured in national media such as Southern Living Magazine and Nashville Public Television’s Tennessee Crossroads. Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Lucy Dunwody Boehm Porcelain Collection will be on view February 23rd through May 3rd, 2020 in the Crouch Gallery.
About the Customs House Museum
Located in the heart of historic downtown Clarksville, Tennessee, the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center is the State’s second largest general museum. The original portion of the building was constructed in 1898 as a U.S. Post Office and Customs House for the flourishing tobacco trade. Incorporating a number of architectural styles, the original structure is one of the most photographed buildings in the region.
With over 35,000 square feet of the region’s best hands-on activities and special events…people of all ages agree – the Customs House Museum is well worth the stop!
The Explorer’s Gallery is packed with fun, learning and fantasy in Aunt Alice’s Attic, McGregor’s Market and kitchen, and of course – the Bubble Cave! Finally, get “all aboard” to see our fantastic model trains. Our volunteer engineers “ride the rails” every Sunday afternoon from 1:00pm to 4:00pm.
Regular museum hours are 10:00am to 5:00pm Tuesday through Saturday, and 1:00pm to 5:00pm on Sundays. Adult admission is $7.00, Senior Citizens and College ID $5.00, Ages 6 to 18 $3.00, and under six years and Museum members are free.
The Customs House Museum is located at 200 South Second Street. For more information, call 931.648.5780 or visit their website at www.customshousemuseum.org
