A Spartan green glaze

A relationship dating back to the 1920s has made an indelible mark on Michigan State University's campus. For over 100 years, Detroit’s Pewabic Pottery has created tiles to celebrate MSU, including ornaments and tiles with the Spartan helmet, but their decorative and functional pieces can be found all across campus — from the Alumni Memorial Chapel to the MSU Union and more. Pewabic, one of the oldest operating pottery studios in the country, specializes in handcrafted pottery and tiles and has been operating since 1903.

Here are just a few of their pieces and where you can find them across campus.

All photos by Derrick L. Turner

Fireplace in Williams Hall

Pewabic Pottery tile design around the fireplace in Williams Hall

Williams Hall north entrance — 'Children Reading and Fish Waterspout'

A light blue Pewabic Pottery sculpture of three young girls sitting together called 'Children Reading and Fish Waterspout' located at the Williams Hall north entrance.

Cowles House — Beaumont Tower mural

Pewabic Pottery tiled mural of Beaumont Tower located at Cowles House.

Kedzie Hall

A stone shield with Pewabic tile on the outside edifice of Kedzie Hall.

A Spartan green glaze

Where to find Pewabic pottery across MSU’s campus

Fireplace in Williams Hall

Williams Hall north entrance — 'Children Reading and Fish Waterspout'

Cowles House — Beaumont Tower mural

Kedzie Hall