Waldemar Raemisch, designer

In addition to showing current RISD work in its Faculty Biennial exhibitions, the Museum often seeks to acquire objects created by alumni and former faculty for its permanent collection. This strikingly modem vase is the work of Waldemar Raemisch, a German silversmith who served as professor at the State Academy of Fine and Applied Arts in Berlin until he was forced to step down in 1937. He toured the United States the next year and in 1939 accepted an appointment to teach at RISD in the Sculpture Department. He became head of the department in 1946 and taught here until 1954.

Several years ago, the Museum purchased a classically inspired silver tea service by Raemisch that was exhibited in Berlin in the 1920s. (It may be seen in The Center Cannot Hold exhibition on level 3.) This vase is a more expressive work on a larger scale. It may reflect Raemisch's interest in African art and certainly speaks for an experimental freedom that he gained after moving to the United States.