Drayton Hall in Collaboration with the Charleston Library Society with support from Jim and Pam Penny

On February 19, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., the Charleston Library Society will present, Inside Delftware: Secrets, Stories, and the Women Who Shaped It

Join author and distinguished decorative-arts advisor Genevieve Wheeler Brown and acclaimed ceramic artist Michelle Erickson for a lively, behind-the-scenes conversation inspired by Genevieve’s new book Beyond Blue and White: The Hidden History of Delftware and the Women Behind the Iconic Ceramic.

Together, they’ll delve into the artistry, global influences, and enduring appeal of Delftware while spotlighting the remarkable women who shaped its history—from 17th-century pottery owners to the patrons and collectors whose taste helped define an international style. The discussion will draw on Genevieve’s archival research, reflections on Drayton Hall’s extraordinary Delft discoveries, and Michelle’s perspective as a maker who reinvents historic techniques for today’s world.

This intimate dialogue connects past and present, revealing how the creativity, entrepreneurship, and curiosity of women across centuries continue to echo in contemporary craft. It’s a rare opportunity to see how old ceramics don’t merely endure—they spark new ideas, new perspectives, and new conversations.