Charles Fergus Binns

Charles Fergus Binns (4 October 1857 in Worcester – 4 December 1934 in Alfred, New York) was an English-born studio potter. Binns was the first director of the New York State School of Clayworking and Ceramics at Alfred University, holding that position from 1900 until 1931.

His work included authorship of several books on the history and practice of pottery. Some of his more notable students included Arthur Eugene Baggs, William Victor Bragdon, R. Guy Cowan, Maija Grotell, Elizabeth Overbeck, and Adelaide Alsop Robineau. This has led Binns to be called "the father of American studio ceramics".

Early life

Charles Fergus Binns was born on 4 October 1857, in Worcester, England, the seventh of ten children. His father, Richard William Binns was art director and co-managing director of the Royal Worcester Porcelain Works.

Binns attended the Worcester Cathedral King's School from 1869 to 1872. At the age of 14, he was apprenticed at the Royal Worcester Porcelain Works, where he was exposed to every aspect of the pottery business. His education continued while he worked at the pottery and he studied art at the Worcester School of Design, and studied chemistry in nearby Birmingham. Binns worked for Royal Worcester for the next 25 years eventually becoming the head of the sales office, first in Worcester and beginning in 1884, in London. He became known as a popular lecturer on the subject of ceramics and began writing on the topic.

In 1893 he travelled to the United States, accompanying the Royal Worcester exhibit at the World's Columbian Exhibition in Chicago, Illinois. After returning to England he became technical director for the pottery, holding that position for four more years. Binns resigned his position at Royal Worcester in 1897 when his father retired.