By the turn of the 20th century another cross-current of art was having a great affect on the American art pottery movement. The English Arts & Crafts and Aesthetic movements brought about a shift from the fussier forms and decorating of late Victorian art pottery to simpler more naturalistic shapes and glazes. Pottery maker firms such as Grueby and Teco offered simple bold designs highlighted by rich glazes that were meant to complement the quiet restrained interiors of early 20th century Art & Crafts homes, The Mission Oak style in furniture was enhanced by a broad range of decorative accessories besides art pottery, and it remained a popular trend into the 1920s. It was the Great Depression of the 1930s that really caused a hiatus in the creation of art pottery. Labor and production costs had grown tremendously and made it difficult for more expensive handmade wares to compete with the less costly factory-produced ceramics (Industrial Art Pottery) from Europe and Japan. Only the well-heeled could afford "art for art's sake" and the majority of the American buying public was satisfied with bright and comparatively inexpensive pottery available at the local flower-markets.

For the next thirty years, art pottery, as an area of collecting, lived a life in the shadows. Only a handful of savvy collectors continued to show interest in the finest examples of Rookwood, Fulper and a few others. Finally, in the late l960s, the market began to revive due in part to the publication of important new books such as The Boock of Rookwood Pottery by Herbert Peck (1968) and Lucile Henzke's American Art Pottery (1970). Today, the collecting of American and European art pottery is an important and ever-growing segment of the antiques marketplace and field of collecting with prime examples selling in the tenths of thousands of dollars.

Many 'minor' industrial art pottery makers, such as McCoy, Weller and at last in the late 1990s also the Haeger pottery company, have since then caught the eye of collectors. Although still relatively affordable to budding collectors (many pieces of these pottery makers can still be 'picked up' for under $100), the often colorful and fanciful designs dating back primarily to the mid-twentieth century, have become a staple of many decorators and collectors striving to give a home a special look and feel.

Let us present to you a list of some makers of art pottery and industrial art pottery and a brief synopsis for each. This list is by no means complete and intends to give you elementary information about the various wonderful pottery makers.

Abingdon Pottery Brush Pottery Cowan Pottery Fulper Pottery Grueby Pottery Hampshire Pottery Marblehead Pottery McCoy Pottery Muncie Pottery Newcomb Pottery Niloak Pottery Owens Pottery Peters and Reed Pottery Pottery Pfaltzgraff Pottery Rookwood Pottery Roseville Pottery Shawnee Pottery Teco Pottery Van Briggle Pottery Weller Pottery

Cowan Pottery was founded by Guy Cowan in 1913. Cowan Pottery closed in 1931. The most popular line of Cowan Pottery is the figurines introduced by Guy Cowan in 1924. Many recognized artists were associated with Cowan Pottery. These include Waylande Gregory, Arthur Baggs, Alexander Blazys, Viktor Schreckengost, and numerous others.

Most Cowan Pottery is marked with one of the various Cowan marks that were used throughout the existence of the company. Limited edition pieces such as the figurals are typically artist signed in addition to one of the Cowan marks.

Financial difficulties began in 1929 as the delicate balance of art, pottery and commercial production began to teeter. More limited editions and hand painted pieces were being offered at a time when the public could appreciate but hardly afford them. In 1930, the financial difficulties of the Great Depression proved overwhelming and in December, 1930 the Company went into receivership. In 1931, operating under supervision of the Court, Cowan Pottery artists were able to produce some of their most artistic work but the pottery was forced to sell off all its remaining inventory at depressed prices and finally closed its doors in December, 1931.

Fulper Pottery was incorporated in 1899 although the company was well established prior to this date. The first art pottery line introduced by Fulper was Vasecraft in 1909. In 1910, Martin Stangl became Fulper's ceramics engineer. Stangl was responsible for the development of many of the art pottery forms and glazes for Fulper.

Most of Fulper's early work, up to and including the late teens, represents the superior quality glazes for which the company is famous. Fulper used approximately 100 glazes during its art pottery production days. Fulper's highest quality glazes make a striking statement even when on the most common forms.

In 1929 Stangl acquired Fulper Pottery. Art pottery continued to be produced in much smaller quantity and lower quality until about 1935. In 1935 Stangl shifted to production of dinner ware.

Grueby Pottery was founded by William Grueby in 1897. Grueby was producing pottery as early as 1894. Grueby produced art pottery until about 1909 at which time the company focused on art tiles. During this relatively short period of production, Grueby Pottery arguably had more of an impact on American arts and crafts pottery than any other producer.

Grueby's predominant style was conventional, naturally shaped forms onto which hand sculpted and stylized designs were either carved or placed above the surface of the pot. The majority of Grueby Pottery was glazed in its famous matte green. However, Grueby used many other colors as well including yellow, blue, brown, gray and mauve.

Examples of Grueby Pottery can be found in many art pottery museum collections. In its early years of production, Grueby Pottery won numerous honors and awards. Most notably, were two gold medals and one silver medal at the Paris Exposition in 1900.

Hampshire Pottery began production in 1871. The pottery was founded by James Taft. Hampshire Pottery first introduced the widely popular matte green glaze in 1883. In 1904 Cadmon Robertson joined Hampshire Pottery and was soon placed in charge of production. Robertson developed over 900 glazes while with Hampshire Pottery and was responsible for many of the forms.

Robertson passed away in 1914 which left Hampshire solely in the hands of Taft. Just after Robertson’s death, Taft determined to cease production. In 1916 Taft sold Hampshire Pottery to George Morton who was previously with Grueby Pottery.

Hampshire pottery continued for only a year under Morton’s direction and was closed in 1917. After the end of World War I, Morton reopened Hampshire Pottery with primary production being white china for hotels and restaurants. Hampshire Pottery closed permanently in 1923.

Marblehead Pottery began as a small studio pottery in 1904. Marblehead Pottery originated to teach ceramics as a convalescent therapy to sanitarium patients. From that humble beginning, Marblehead Pottery grew into one of the most sought-after and respected small studio potteries of the 1900s.

Arthur Baggs became the director of Marblehead Pottery around 1905. Baggs brought to Marblehead a decorating style that focused on hand-incised or surface painted geometric designs on grounds of slightly contrasting colors. In 1915 Baggs became the owner of Marblehead Pottery.

In the 1920s as with many of the American art pottery companies, Marblehead began to focus almost exclusively on production art pottery. However, Marblehead's production pottery still maintained the high quality seen on the hand-decorated items. The production art pottery Marblehead produced was finely thrown and glazed in hard, pebbled matte finishes. Typical glaze colors are blue, green, pink, yellow, brown or gray. It is estimated that 95% of Marblehead's output was production art pottery.

Marblehead Pottery ceased production in 1936. Even at its high point, Marblehead remained a small studio pottery never employing more than six people. To this day, Marblehead continues to be among the most sought-after arts and crafts style pottery ever produced.

In 1895 Newcomb Pottery was established under the direction of Ellsworth Woodward. The pottery was operated in conjunction with advanced art courses offered by Newcomb College. Woodward brought in recognized artists Mary G. Sheerer as co-director and Joseph Meyer as potter.

Until 1925 most Newcomb Pottery was thrown by Joseph Meyer based on designs prepared by Miss Sheerer. Completed pots were decorated by the women in the Newcomb's art department. Newcomb Pottery always operated as studio pottery and never operated as a large-scale production pottery.

Paul Cox was brought to Newcomb Pottery in 1910 to improve the quality of the clay and glazes. Cox developed the soft, waxy semi-matte glazes that Newcomb Pottery became famous for during its transitional period of production. Cox was with Newcomb Pottery until 1918.

From the 1920s until the late 30s Newcomb Pottery continued to produce quality art pottery. Works from this period typically were carved florals, oak trees, and Spanish moss decorations in relief on medium blue grounds. Newcomb Pottery closed in 1940

The McCoy Pottery was established by James W. McCoy in 1899. In 1908 McCoy introduced its most popular art pottery line Loy-Nel-Art. Loy-Nel-Art is decorated, standard glaze pottery similar to Roseville Rozane and Weller Louwelsa.

In 1911 McCoy Pottery became the Brush-McCoy Pottery Company. The pottery again changed its name in 1925 to the Brush Pottery Company (not the same company that was in Roseville Ohio in the early 1900s).

Muncie Pottery started production of art pottery in 1919 as the Muncie Clay Products Company. Muncie Pottery started as a subsidiary of the German-American Clay Company. Muncie Pottery like so many of the other American art pottery companies closed its doors as a victim of the depression in 1939.

Muncie utilized a variety of glazes ranging from quality matte glaze to high gloss, drip glazes. Some of the most sought-after Muncie Pottery examples include the Ruba Rombic and Spanish lines. Both of these scarce patterns were designed by Reuben Haley.

Niloak Pottery was produced in Benton, Arkansas. Niloak was founded in 1909 and produced art pottery until 1946. The most sought-after product line produced by Niloak Pottery is mission swirl.

Niloak mission swirl was produced between 1909 and 1942. The mission swirl line was developed by Charles Hyten. Most Niloak mission swirl is marked with one of the Niloak art marks although some examples were marked only with paper labels.

During the Depression, Niloak Pottery began production of cast-ware pottery. The cast-ware line was called Hywood. Niloak produced Hywood in high gloss and semi-matte glazes and in solid and drip glazes.

Owens Pottery was founded by J.B. Owens in 1885. Owens began producing art pottery in 1896 with the introduction of the Owens Utopian line. Many of the now famous names in the American art pottery history were at some point associated with Owens Pottery. These names include W. A. Long, Frank Ferrell, Karl Langenbeck, John J. Herold, Herb Hugo, Albert Radford, and John Lessell.

During its art pottery days between 1896 and 1907, Owens Pottery produced over 48 distinct art pottery lines. It is widely believed that Owens Pottery introduced more new lines during this period than any of the firm's competitors. Owens most popular art pottery lines include Utopian, Lightweight, Lotus, Henri Deux, and Matte Green.

Art pottery produced by Owens won national acclaim and many national awards. The highest quality Owens rivals the art pottery produced by competing firms including Rookwood, Roseville, and Weller. Many, to this date, believe Owens Pottery remains undervalued in comparison to its better known competitors.

Owens Pottery ceased art pottery production in 1907. Sources indicate Owens may have continued production on his own for another few years. After stopping art pottery production, Owens focused on producing tiles as the J.B Owens Floor & Wall Tile Co. Owens went out of business around 1929.

Peters and Reed Pottery was established by John D. Peters and Adam Reed in 1899. Peters and Reed's first recognized art pottery line Moss Aztec was introduced in 1912. Moss Aztec was developed by Frank Ferrell. Other recognized Peter and Reed art pottery lines include Chromal, Landsun, Montene, and Pereco.

In 1921, Peters and Reed changed its name to The Zane Pottery Company. Many of the art pottery lines produced by Peters and Reed Pottery were continued by Zane Pottery. Zane Pottery continued in existence until 1941 at which time the company was sold to Gonder Pottery.

Peters and Reed pottery is unmarked. Zane Pottery was typically marked with an impressed logo.

The Pfaltzgraff family of German immigrant potters began their 
company in 1811 in York, Pennsylvania, which is still the company's headquarters.  As the oldest pottery maker in the United States, The Pfaltzgraff Co. grew from a modest-size shop that once produced salt-glazed stoneware in the early 1800s to a large manufacturer that offers a full range of products and styles today.

Rookwood Pottery was founded in 1880 by Marie Longworth Nichols. Rookwood Pottery's initial work demonstrated an Oriental and European influence. Throughout Rookwood's years they mastered such diverse styles as Victorian, art nouveau, arts and crafts, and art deco.

From the very beginning, Rookwood Pottery's production and quality standards exceeded virtually every other American art pottery manufacturer. As a result, Rookwood Pottery achieved a greatness that was second to none. Rookwood was one of the few potteries to mark items as seconds for even the most minute factory inconsistencies.

In the early 1900's Rookwood Pottery quickly moved into the arts and crafts and art nouveau styles. During this time, Rookwood introduced many of the more desirable and important glazes such as Iris, Vellum, Sea Green, Ariel Blue and painted mattes.

Around 1905, Rookwood Pottery introduced its production line of pottery. Rookwood's production pottery was simply glazed and not artist decorated or signed. As with most of the American art pottery companies, Rookwood's best production pieces are its earlier examples.

Rookwood pottery employed over 120 artist and decorators during its years of operation. Rookwood ended production in 1960.

The Roseville Pottery Company was founded in 1890. Roseville initially produced simple utilitarian ware such as flower pots, stoneware, umbrella stands, cuspidors, and limited painted ware. In 1900, Roseville Rozane became the first high quality art pottery line produced by Roseville.

In 1904, Frederick Rhead became art director for Roseville Pottery. Rhead was responsible for the production of scarce art pottery lines such as Fudgi, Crystalis, Della Robbia, and Aztec.

In the early teens as demand for the more expensive, hand-crafted art pottery declined Roseville Pottery shifted production to more commercially produced pottery. Roseville's ability to nimbly adapt to market conditions was one of the potteries' greatest attributes as Roseville was continually able to produce the most popular patterns and styles compared to their immediate competitors.

In 1919, Frank Ferrel succeeded Harry Rhead (Frederick's brother) as art director for Roseville Pottery. Frank Frerrel and George Krause combined to produce many of today's most popular Roseville Pottery patterns including Dahlrose, Rosecraft, Ferella, Sunflower, Blackberry, Cherry Blossom, and Wisteria.

Roseville Pottery introduced Pinecone in 1935. Pinecone became the most successful and highest volume pattern produced during the existence of Roseville Pottery. The pattern includes over 75 different shapes in blue, brown, and green.

World War II necessitated another production change for Roseville Pottery. During this time period, Roseville introduced such patterns as Fuchsia, Cosmos, Columbine, White Rose, Bittersweet, and Zephyr Lily. While these patterns were still the best quality art pottery in the market at this time, it was not enough to save the company. Roseville Pottery ceased operations in 1954.

Throughout Roseville's days of production, its versatility and innovativeness served to keep the company at the forefront of the various decorating styles and buying public trends. Even to this day, Roseville Pottery still represents the most widely known and most collectible art pottery ever produced.

The Shawnee Pottery owes its name and to an arrowhead found on the grounds of the then-unnamed plant in Zanesville, OH in 1937. The area is rich in natural clay, and the Shawnee were known to have lived and produced pottery in the Zanesville-Roseville area long before it was settled.

Much of Shawnee's work was intended for department stores and 5&10's, including Woolworth's, McCrory, S.S. Kresge and Sears, and as such, mass production abilities were primary to the pottery and designs. Many of the pieces were intended to retail between ten and thirty cents. The pottery made decorative pieces as well as dinnerware and kitchenware.

Like many of its contemporaries, the pottery could not compete against foreign imports after World War II, and ceased operation in 1961.

In 1881, William Gates founded the Terra Cotta Tile Works. Gates initially produced terra-cotta bricks, drain tiles and pottery. The Teco Pottery line was introduced in 1902. Teco exemplifies pottery of the "Praire School" arts and crafts movement of which Frank Lloyd Wright made so popular.

The Teco Pottery line included over 500 designs by 1911. In all, Teco Pottery produced over 10,000 different shapes. The exact ending date of Teco Pottery is unknown. Ads and articles about Teco Pottery have been found dating up to about 1923.

Teco Pottery is most famous for simple, matte green glazes which dominates over 90 percent of its pottery. Some of Teco's matte green glazes exhibit a charcoaling effect in the form of a metallic, black overglaze. Other successful Teco colors include brown, yellow, blue, pink and maroon.

While Teco's matte glazes are of consistent, high quality the true attraction of Teco Pottery rests with the uniqueness and creativity of the various forms. Teco Pottery forms are typically defined either as geometric, organic or architectural. The geometric forms with angular handles and buttresses are generally the most sought-after.

Van Briggle Pottery was founded by Artus and Anne Van Briggle in 1900 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Van Briggle began producing art pottery in 1901. Artus and Anne were both accomplished decorators for Rookwood Pottery prior to starting Van Briggle. The Van Briggle's left Rookwood due to Artus's failing health. Artus suffered from tuberculosis and it was believed the climate and altitude change in Colorado would benefit his health.

Artus Van Briggle passed away in 1904 from complications related to his illness. Anne continued to run Van Briggle and produced many of the arts and crafts shapes until 1912. The tragic and romantic side of Artus and Anne's relationship continues to interest many collectors to this day.

Most collectors define the early period for Van Briggle up through 1912 and Anne's departure. The pre 1912 are typically the most sought after by collectors. Many quality examples of Van Briggle were still produced in the late teens and early twenties period. For the most part, collectors focus on the 1920s or earlier pieces.

Van Briggle has the unique distinction of being one of the only American art pottery producers from the period to never go out of business. Van Briggle still produces art pottery to this day.

Weller Pottery began production in 1872. Weller was founded by Samuel Weller. In 1895, Weller Pottery purchased Lonhuda Pottery. With the addition of Lonhuda, Weller began production of Louwelsa. Louwelsa would become one of Weller's most popular lines and ultimately included over 500 different shapes.

In 1895, Charles Upjohn joined Weller Pottery as art director. Upjohn's most recognized line is Dickens Ware. Upjohn ultimately left Weller Pottery in 1904. In 1902 Weller hired Jacques Sicard. Sicard developed the Sicard line; which continues to be one of Weller's most sought-after patterns to this date. Weller Sicard production ended in 1907.

By 1906 many of the more popular, hand-decorated Weller Pottery patterns such as Aurelian, Eocean, Etna, Modeled Matte, Art Nouveau were already in production. By the early 1920s, many of the prestigious hand-decorated lines of Weller Pottery were discontinued as production shifted to higher production commercial art pottery.

However, even into the l920s Weller was still introducing several significant lines including LaSa and Hudson. The LaSa line was introduced by John Lessell who became art director for Weller Pottery in 1920. The Weller Hudson line was developed in the late teens to early 20s and to this day remains among the highest quality, hand decorated pottery ever produced. Other popular Weller patterns from the 1920s include, Blue Drapery, Louella, Glendale, Knifewood, and Warwick.

Weller Pottery continued to produce high quality pottery into the 1930s including such lines as Sabrinian, Chase, Bonito, Geode, Raceme and Stellar. By 1935, Weller Pottery abandoned hand decoration and produced only molded pottery. In early 1948 Weller Pottery ceased production.