|
|
Inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement, American Art Pottery, with its
graceful lines and Art Nouveau motifs came into being in the later part
of the 19th century.
Starting in 1860 potteries sprang up in the Ohio River Valley, enticed
by the abundance of high-grade clays and coal for the kilns. Initially
they produced architectural faience and tiles, and then expanded into
decorative wares for the home. Artisans began to experiment with glazes.
In the 1890s, Artus Van Briggle rediscovered the long lost secret of
the Ming Dynasty glaze at his pottery in Colorado Springs. Trade shows
and the Chicago and St. Louis Worlds Fair exhibition halls at the turn
of the century provided a forum for creativity within the industry.
By the 1920s potteries had located around the country. The enthusiasm
for gardening and nature inspired a proliferation of plant related items
vases (many with flower frogs), flowerpots, planters and jardiniθres
featuring floral motifs were the dominant production theme.
 |
Roseville and Weller were among
the best known and most prolific companies. Prominent potteries
of the era were
Fulper Trenton, NJ
(predecessor to
Stangl)
Greuby Chelsea, MA
Newcombe New Orleans, LA
Rookwood Cincinnati , OH
Roseville, Roseville, OH
Van Briggle, Colorado Springs, CO
Weller, Zaneville, OH |
Competition from foreign imports following WWII led to the demise of the
great American pottery companies that managed to survive the Depression.
Only one, Van Briggle remains open today.
While not truly Art Pottery
Abbington
Frankoma
Hager
Hull
McCoy
Shawnee
produced quality ceramic wares that are sought after by collectors.
|
|
