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The art pottery movement began in the 1870s in America and Britain, coinciding roughly with the beginning of the Arts and Crafts movement, which gained momentum in the 1880s. Art pottery was more elaborate than utilitarian pottery, and early pieces were usually hand-decorated, signed by the artist, and produced in limited numbers.

Many companies known for their art pottery, like Rookwood, Roseville, Frankoma, and Weller, were founded in the American Midwest in the 1880s and 1890s. Drawing on local deposits of clay and minerals, most of these companies started by making simple, decorative pottery pieces or utilitarian pieces such as flowerpots and other garden ware. ...

What ultimately set these companies apart were their ornamental designs. Rookwood and other Midwestern companies took inspiration from Asian designs and Art Nouveau styles, creating pieces that were both functional and beautiful. They worked in a variety of popular forms, from vases to bowls to wall sconces and decorative tiles.

Some art pottery makers, like Rookwood, eventually grew into large operations, producing pieces in quantity and marketing them nationally via department stores and catalogs. But many smaller studios also thrived in the heyday of hand thrown and decorated art pottery.

Other noteworthy makers of art pottery include Hull, McCoy, Charles Volkmar, Chelsea Keramic, Lonhuda, George Ohr, Newcomb College, Grueby Faience, Adelaide Alsop Robineau, Artus Van Briggle, and the Saturday Evening Girls.

In the U.S., interest in art pottery waned in the 1940s and many once-famous companies disappeared.

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Recent News: Art Pottery

Source: Google News

Antiques: Pottery, license plates, phonographs
AZ Central.com, May 16th

For the most part, the company produced utilitarian wares such as flower pots, jugs and crocks in addition to vases and art pottery. The Red Wing plant closed in 1967, but later reopened. Collectors are especially interested in the earlier production...Read more

Potters' art still endures
Falkirk Herald, May 16th

The Gardner family had been making simple domestic ware on the estate of the Earl of Dunmore since the late 1700s using local clay but it was not until Peter Gardner succeeded his father in 1866 that the art pottery was born. Peter probably learned his...Read more

Tonya A. Cameron
Antiques and the Arts Online, May 15th

Roseville and Other Art Pottery, Wedgwood, Norton Decorated Jug, Vintage Telephone, RCA Radiola 18, Clocks and Clock Parts and Accessories, Several Estate Oriental Rugs, Quality Furniture and Accessories, Quilts and Textiles, Advertising Signs,...Read more

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Some 55 kids ages 6-13 participated in a Children's Day of Art, rotating through workshops in cartooning, drama, eco-sculpture, music, poetry and pottery–with a lunchtime break to create “food art.” POTTERY APP? No, ain't nothing like the real thing,...Read more

Summer Dreams 2012: These camps also need your help
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201 E. Kirby, Detroit 48202; 313-664-1530; www.collegeforcreativestudies.edu/ce/youngartist Connecting Families: Music, African dance, drumming, art, pottery, poetry, fencing, archery, nutrition, literacy, financial literacy and more are offered...Read more

Dedham Square Scoop: May 10, 2012
Daily News Transcript, May 10th

Find cards, vases, framed art, pottery, and lots of other unique gifts made by local artists. Art from the Heart – Find beautiful handmade jewelry, accessories, art, home décor, and clothing at nest and The Dedham Exchange. The Exchange is giving away...Read more

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Her studio art pottery aesthetics are traditional with a flare: a dotted mug, an insect on a plate, or a swirl on a covered jar. Daniel Johnston digs most of the materials he uses to make and glaze his pots. "From digging the clay to firing the kiln,...Read more

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Saugerties Post Star, April 30th

By Anonymous Hometown: Steve is originally from Iowa and Cherie grew up in the Chicago burbs. Hometown is now Saugerties because we have lived here since 1991. How and when did you start working in your particular medium? The Arts and crafts Movement...Read more

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