In November of 1942, Maija Grotell displayed her wares among the latest fashions in the windows of Himelhoch’s department store in downtown Detroit. Grotell, Head of the Academy’s Department of Ceramics from 1938 to 1966, placed her vases, pots, and plates in a stage-set ceramics studio, replete with a painted kiln, bottles of glazes, and a potter’s wheel (made of what appears to be Papier-mâché).
The clothes related directly to the vessels, with the sign reading: “Ceramics: Wonderful Muted Colors To Wear Under Winter Coats Inspired by Maija Grotell’s Ceramic Masterpieces.” Himelhoch’s sold the clothing, while the Grotell works were sold through the Detroit Artist’s Market.
The images are attributed to photographer Joseph Munroe, November 2, 1942.
– Kevin Adkisson, 2016-2019 Collections Fellow, Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research
NB: Himelhoch’s opened in 1907 and was on Detroit’s Washington Boulevard from 1923 to 1977. The lovely building is a National Historic Landmark and survives today as apartments.
Cranbrook Kitchen Sink 
I’m old enough to remember Himilhoch’s. It was a lovely department store. It also had an entry on Woodward Avenue, near the B.Siegel Co.
Rhoda Raider
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