The collection deals primarily with Martha Lauritzen’s experiences at Cranbrook, particularly her relationship with her ceramics mentor, Maija Grotell. The bulk of the collection is correspondence to Lauritzen from Grotell (1948-1954) and from other students of Grotell’s. Two of these students, Jeff Schlanger and Toshiko Takaezu, published a book on Grotell, and correspondence relating to the publication is included. The letters detail experiences at Cranbrook and specifically relating to ceramics in the 1940’s, including processes, concepts and design. Additional correspondence is included relating to Maija Grotell’s death and memorial service.

Of particular note for ceramics students interested in the development of copper blue glazes are the manuscript notes and correspondence relating to the unpublished article “Stoneware Copper Blue Glazes” written by Grotell and Lauritzen, as well as a small sample of the glaze.

There are also two oral history interviews: one of Maija Grotell by Jeff Schlanger and Toshiko Takaezu in May 1968, and a copy of a typed transcript that Lauritzen made in 1981 and sent to the Academy for their 50th anniversary.