Discovery: A Great Handled Jar Made in 19th Century Beverly, Mass

Over the weekend - a rare redware form made in Beverly, Massachusetts emerged from a house clean out on Boston's North Shore. The handled jar was covered in a tissue paper-type material from many years ago. The thin paper was placed in an asymmetric design - covering the entire urn or vase. The paper was partially painted while other parts were originally colored. It was likely placed on the jar many decades ago. A type of glue was seen that attached the paper to the urn. There appears to be no condition issues beyond the attached paper and glue that can fortunately be carefully removed. The jar stands ten inches tall. It's really one of the best forms I have seen emerge from the potters who worked on Boston's North Shore of the nineteenth century. The maker was probably Charles Lawrence, but the skilled potter, Edwin A. Rich was also employed at the company in the 1870s. Its feel, form and size are perfect.

 Charles Lawrence Pottery Redware Handled Urn - Beverly, Ma

Made Between 1870-1880

The Paper is Not Original

There is currently a conservation project happening to properly remove all the paper and glue. The jar is beautifully potted with the skill that Charles Lawrence's Beverly Pottery was known for. The black paint around the base and handles are believed to be original, but easily removable if not. The Merrimac Pottery Company in Newburyport, Massachusetts made a similar form at the end of the nineteenth century with painted handles. I believe this is what happened in Beverly with this form. It is possible the Merrimac Pottery Company copied the idea.

The wares made in Beverly between 1870 and 1880 are really unpredictable. The business changed its output in 1870 and its products are really unique. There is no reason why what was made. The company really produced what they felt would sell. I feel the pottery made in Beverly in the 1860s and 1870s are some of the most-accomplished wares manufactured in New England of the nineteenth century - but that's just my feeling - others may disagree.

Initially, a lot of the paper came off easily. It basically just flaked off with a water spray and a safe tool. I believe the jar to have been intended to be used as a vase to hold flowers. All the forms made in Beverly of the 1870s appear to have been high-end products intended for wealthier households or special occasions. Lawrence Pottery had transitioned from everyday utilitarian wares into a company who provided more high-end wares. They likely sold their products to quality stores in Boston and related areas for distribution. I know of a pitcher made in Beverly that is now in a private collection that bears the mark of a prominent Boston merchant on its base.

Paper Removed from Jar

Jar with Some Paper and Plenty of Glue Still On It

Stay tune to see how this jar eventually turns out. It appears to be one of the finer forms I have ever seen produced in Beverly.

Much More to Come...