A Wonderful 19th Century Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Pitcher Owned by Winterthur in Wilmington, Delaware

I was going through Winterthur's collection of red earthenware kept in Wilmington, Delaware earlier today, and I was surprised to see a few objects that I plan to write about tonight and tomorrow. Notably, there was an example of Charles A. Lawrence Pottery (circa 1866-1906) made in Beverly, Massachusetts. The museum did not provide a specific attribution; however, the pitcher was properly attributed to Essex County, Massachusetts. These type of objects are commonly attributed elsewhere today to places such as Pennsylvania, Virginia and western New York.

The museum suggested that this pitcher was produced during the 1800-1830 period; however, it was actually produced later in the nineteenth-century. It's understandable why this period was suggested, too as-a-result of the slip-decoration. Instead, this object was actually made in the late-1860's or the 1870's. The slip decoration is an early-style; although, Charles A. Lawrence was arguably unique for New England after 1850 since he regularly decorated utilitarian red earthenware in multiple styles of slip-decoration.

The fact that this pitcher retains its original lid today is fascinating. This is only the second lid that is known to have survived today from the C.A. Lawrence Pottery. A friend helped me locate and acquire the only other known lidded pitcher a few years ago - that object currently resides in my private collection today. The fact that the only lid, which I have handled is very-thinnly-made may suggest why so few lids have survived - they were beautifully made, but they likely broke easily, too. A thicker-made lid may have only chipped when it hit another object, but my feeling is that these Beverly lids easily broke.

I have previously stated that any type of slip-decorated red earthenware from Beverly is rare today considering that these types of products were only made for about a decade before the company changed focus to produce high-end decorative wares in the 1870's, the 1880's and the 1890's. Utilitarian wares were still made; however, they were no longer the focus of the company.

 19th Century Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Pitcher

Attributed to the Charles A. Lawrence Pottery - Beverly, Mass.

Retains Its Original Lid

Circa 1866-1906

Stands 6 1/2" Tall

Photo Courtesy: Winterthur - Wilmington, DE

View of the Base

Photo Courtesy: Winterthur - Wilmington, DE

Please Stay Tuned...Much More to Come...