Explore the story of early American pottery and the rise of Bennington wares.
This historical survey shows how New England potteries formed, the people who built them, and the marks that identify their work. It blends archival detail with vivid portraits of the potters who shaped everyday life in the 19th century.
The book traces the earliest red and stone wares, explains regional styles, and reveals how Bennington’s potteries grew from small shops to influential makers. It offers context on the craft, the landscapes that nurtured it, and the practical realities of producing and selling pottery long before modern markets.
- Profiles of key potters and firms, including Norton, Fenton, and Goodwin, and how their work defined regional styles.
- Descriptions of different wares—red clay, salt-glazed stone ware, and the famous Rockingham glaze—and how they were made.
- Notes on identification, signatures, and marks to help readers recognize pieces in collections.
- Insights into early American trade, travel, and the spread of ware through New England.
Ideal for readers of American history, decorative arts, and museum collections who want a grounded, accessible look at how these everyday objects came to define a region’s craft.