Charles Fergus Binns is commonly referred to as “The Father of American Studio Ceramics” and many of his students referred to him as “Daddy” Binns. This title reflects not only his creation of unique, virtuous stoneware pots in the Arts & Crafts style, but also acknowledges his accomplishments of bringing vital information about ceramic clay bodies and glaze recipes to students and lay persons, thereby laying the foundation for the flourishing studio ceramics movement in the United States beginning in the early 1900s. Dr. Binns was well-known for his enthusiasm for teaching others about the balance between ceramic art and science, especially during evening and summer school sessions.
It seems almost a misnomer to refer to the “students of Binns,” as each student had such impressive accomplishments of his/her own that they hardly stand in the shadow of one of their teachers. However, it is interesting to note just how many remarkable individuals formed the foundation of their ceramic knowledge at Alfred in the early 1900s, studying with Dr. Binns.
Some of the many accomplished students of Binns include Adelaide Alsop Robineau, Paul E. Cox, Frederick Walrath, Arthur E. Baggs, R. Guy Cowan , Elizabeth Overbeck, Mary Chase Perry Stratton, Ruth Canfield, Charles M. Harder, Marion Fosdick, Myrtle Merrit French, Chauncey Thomas, Paul Vickers Gardner, and Maija Grotell