This artist studio building is located at 543 Union St. between Nevins and the Gowanus Canal, in the Gowanus/Carroll Gardens section of Brooklyn. The chunky ghost signs proclaim “National Packing Box Factory” and “James H. Dykeman.”
Via the excellent Ephemeral New York, we learn that Dykeman “‘was a carpenter by trade who established himself in the box business in 1877,’ according to The Disston Crucible, a Magazine for Millmen.”
The building houses Claireware, Claire Weissberg’s functional pottery studio and showroom. Her work is great, and you can find it in Cincinnati at MiCA 12/v. “Claireware” is also our nickname for our cat, Claire Monet. Unfortunately, the showroom was closed when we stumbled onto it.
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Ooh, I really like Claireware’s work!
Me too! A friend gave me one of her bowls for my birthday last year. It’s really pretty.
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that was my great grandfather building
Wow! Can you give us any more information about him or his business?
I will go through the information that I have. I do know that my Great great Grandfather started it them my Great grandfarther after him. I do not think that is the first building they used. Do you know when this one was build and that they left it? GG grandfather was born in 1844 in Canada and died 1913 in New York. Had two daughter. His grandson (James H Dykeman)and took over the company. His mother was a Dykeman. He was 1895 in New York died 1967 in Florida. That just what I know off the top of my head. Let me search thru what I have and send you what I have. Do you know which copy he is in of The Disston Crucible, a Magazine for Millmen.”?
More to follow
Nanci, here is the digital version of The Disston Crucible. The issue dates from 1914.