Winterthur: The Continued Study About Rhode Island Red Earthenware from the 1700's

According to Harvard Magazine, "In 1903, Henry Francis du Pont wrote, 'I have not wandered very far afield. I am now living quietly in a house that I built near the museum, where I shall be glad to welcome any of my classmates who may find their way through Delaware.'

That 'museum' is the Henry Francis du Pont Winterthur Museum, a 983-acre estate in the Brandywine Valley. It had served as the family home to five generations before du Pont converted it into the world's preeminent showplace of furniture and decorative arts made or used in the United States before 1860. 

In an era when most Americans were enamored of European culture, art, and furniture, he recognized the intrinsic beauty of objects made by American hands. A passionate collector with virtually unlimited resources, he assembled the more than 89,000 antiques that fill the museum's 175 rooms and framed the mansion with significant plantings, including a quarry garden, a sundial garden, a pinetum, and an 'enchanted woods' for children.'

Nevertheless, it appears that Henry Francis du Pont was also influenced by Charles D. Cook's, 'Early Rhode Island Pottery' article, which was published in the January 1931 edition of 'The Magazine Antiques.' Winterthur attributes all of these objects to Rhode Island, and it appears that the attributions were developed in 1953. Many of these objects are also attributed to the circa 1800-1880 period, which was decades after the circa 1767-1783 period of red earthenware production in Rhode Island.

Two of the objects, a tea bowl and a jug match forms that Cook illustrated as products that were attributed to the Upton brothers pottery in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, circa 1771-1783. However, Massachusetts author, Lura Woodside Watkins wrote in 'Early New England Potters and Their Wares' in 1950 that these were objects more-likely made in Massachusetts. She said that she did not agree with any of the attributions, which Cook illustrated in his article. Watkins agreed that there was red earthenware production in Rhode Island in the eighteenth-century, but she never committed herself to say that any of this production had been properly attributed. She said just because the objects that Cook illustrated were found in Rhode Island that it did not mean they were made in Rhode Island. Instead, she called Rhode Island a meeting place for wares that were exported from places, such as Massachusetts and Connecticut in the eighteenth and nineteenth-centuries.

It appears that the following objects were attributed on the same characteristics that Cook used in 1931, when he wrote:  "Figure 1 - Surfaced (covered) with a characteristic jade green glaze that, in conjunction with the nature of the clay employed, seems to identify the product of the Upton brothers' pottery in East Greenwich."

We have since learned that these features also match characteristics that are commonly found on products made about thirty-miles to the north in southeastern Massachusetts, as-well-as elsewhere in New England in the eighteenth and nineteenth-centuries. The "jade green glaze and the color of the clay" are not unique features to just one potter's business in New England.

Objects that Match Forms in Charles D. Cook's 1931 Article

Late-18th or Early-19th Century Red Earthenware Tea Bowl

Attributed by Henry Francis du Pont to Upton Pottery - East, Greenwich, Rhode Island

Matching Form Attributed to RI by Charles D. Cook in 'The Magazine Antiques' in 1931

Cook Attributed a Matching Bowl to the Upton Pottery in East Greenwich, RI

Lura Woodside Watkins says this Form was Likely Made in SE Mass.

Acquired by Winterthur in Delaware in 1953

This Object Needs More Investigation Whether it was Made in RI or SE Mass.

Circa 1770-1820

Stands 2 3/8" Tall

Measures 3 3/4" in Diameter

Link to Object on Winterthur's Website

Photo Courtesy: Winterthur - Winterthur, DE

19th Century Red Earthenware Jug

Attributed by Henry Francis du Pont to Rhode Island

Matching Form Attributed to RI by Charles D. Cook in 'The Magazine Antiques' in 1931

Cook Attributed a Matching Jug to the Upton Pottery in East Greenwich, RI

Acquired by Winterthur in Delaware in 1953

Likely Made in Southern Maine

Circa 1820-1860

Stands 26 3/8" Tall

Link to Object on Winterthur's Website

Photo Courtesy: Winterthur - Winterthur, DE

Objects Attributed to Rhode Island Based on Information Given by Charles D. Cook in 1931

Late-18th or Early-19th Century Red Earthenware Jug

Attributed by Henry Francis du Pont to Rhode Island

Acquired by Winterthur in Delaware in 1953

Likely Made in Southeastern Massachusetts

Circa 1780-1820

Stands 9 3/8" Tall

Link to Object on Winterthur's Website

Photo Courtesy: Winterthur - Winterthur, DE

Late-18th or Early-19th Century Red Earthenware Jug

Attributed by Henry Francis du Pont to Rhode Island

Acquired by Winterthur in Delaware in 1953

Likely Made in Southeastern Massachusetts

Circa 1780-1820

Stands 7 1/8" Tall

Link to Object on Winterthur's Website

Photo Courtesy: Winterthur - Winterthur, DE

Early-19th Century Red Earthenware Flower Pot

Attributed by Henry Francis du Pont to Rhode Island

Acquired by Winterthur in Delaware in 1953

Likely Made in Southeastern Massachusetts or Cape Cod

Circa 1800-1840

Stands 4 7/8" Tall

Link to Object on Winterthur's Website

Photo Courtesy: Winterthur - Winterthur, DE

Early-19th Century Red Earthenware Flower Pot

Attributed by Henry Francis du Pont to Rhode Island

Acquired by Winterthur in Delaware in 1953

Likely Made in Southeastern Massachusetts or Cape Cod

Circa 1800-1840

Stands 9" Tall

Link to Object on Winterthur's Website

Photo Courtesy: Winterthur - Winterthur, DE

Early-19th Century Red Earthenware Flower Pot Saucer

Attributed by Henry Francis du Pont to Rhode Island

Acquired by Winterthur in Delaware in 1953

Likely Made in Southeastern Massachusetts or Cape Cod

Circa 1800-1840

Measures 4 5/8" in Diameter

Link to Object on Winterthur's Website

Photo Courtesy: Winterthur - Winterthur, DE

Early-19th Century Red Earthenware Flower Pot Saucer

Attributed by Henry Francis du Pont to Rhode Island

Acquired by Winterthur in Delaware in 1953

Likely Made in Southeastern Massachusetts or Cape Cod

Circa 1800-1840

Measures 18 3/8" in Diameter

Link to Object on Winterthur's Website

Photo Courtesy: Winterthur - Winterthur, DE

Early-19th Century Red Earthenware Flower Pot Saucer

Attributed by Henry Francis du Pont to Rhode Island

Acquired by Winterthur in Delaware in 1953

Likely Made in Southeastern Massachusetts or Cape Cod

Circa 1800-1840

Measures 7 7/8" in Diameter

Link to Object on Winterthur's Website

Photo Courtesy: Winterthur - Winterthur, DE

Early-19th Century Red Earthenware Flower Pot Saucer

Attributed by Henry Francis du Pont to Rhode Island

Acquired by Winterthur in Delaware in 1953

Likely Made in Southeastern Massachusetts or Cape Cod

Circa 1800-1840

Measures 6 1/2" in Diameter

Link to Object on Winterthur's Website

Photo Courtesy: Winterthur - Winterthur, DE

Early-19th Century Red Earthenware Flower Pot Saucer

Attributed by Henry Francis du Pont to Rhode Island

Acquired by Winterthur in Delaware in 1953

Likely Made in Southeastern Massachusetts or Cape Cod

Circa 1800-1840

Measures 7 3/8" in Diameter

Link to Object on Winterthur's Website

Photo Courtesy: Winterthur - Winterthur, DE

Early-19th Century Red Earthenware Flower Pot Saucer

Attributed by Henry Francis du Pont to Rhode Island

Acquired by Winterthur in Delaware in 1953

Likely Made in Southeastern Massachusetts or Cape Cod

Circa 1800-1840

Measures 24 7/8" in Diameter

Link to Object on Winterthur's Website

Photo Courtesy: Winterthur - Winterthur, DE

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

The Uptons and Their 18th Century Pottery in East Greenwich, Rhode Island

Massachusetts author, Lura Woodside Watkins wrote in 'Early New England Potters and Their Wares,' "A pottery in East Greenwich, Rhode Island was brought to public attention by Charles D. Cook in an article in the 'The Magazine Antiques' (January 1931). He discovered that Isaac and Samuel Upton were the founders and owners of a pottery in East Greenwich, circa 1771-1783. Although he noted the Danvers, Massachusetts connection of the brothers, Mr. Cook did not know that they were the nephews of Joseph and Paul Osborn (who were both important eighteenth-century Essex County, Massachusetts potters).

There are some errors in Mr. Cook's published account. Isaac, the eldest son of Isaac and Eleanor (Osborn) Upton, was born October 6, 1736, while his parents were living in Hampton Falls, New Hampshire. From about 1745 to 1768 they were in Berkley, Massachusetts, and Samuel, their seventh child, arrived April 3, 1748, during their residence there.

Dr. D.H. Greene, in his History of East Greenwich, Rhode Island, says the Uptons came to East Greenwich from Nantucket just before the American Revolution and that they built their workshop and kiln on a lot at the corner of King and Marlborough Streets. Dr. Greene says they obtained their clay from Gould's Mount at Quidnessett. 

Shortly after the war, Greene goes on, 'Mr Upton returned to Nantucket, and no earthen ware has been made here since.'

Mr. Cook failed to find any reference to the Uptons' residence in Nantucket. If they actually lived there at any time, their stay must have been temporary. 

Deeds prove that they bought the land on King Street December 9, 1771, and that they owned it jointly. In 1783, Isaac, who was living in Berkley, sold his share in the house and pottery to Samuel, who, however, soon afterwards moved to Stanford, Dutchess County, New York. 

The pieces of pottery shown in photographs to illustrate Mr. Cook's article are typical Massachusetts forms. Those found in the vicinity of East Greenwich without a definite Upton history may, however, as well have been made by any of the Uptons' many cousins in southeastern Massachusetts, such as businesses in Berkley and Somerset, Massachusetts. Red earthenware from these areas is known to have been sold along the Rhode Island coast. 

Dr. Greene described the course red earthenware from East Greenwich as if it were a substitute for fine China made during the American Revolution. However, it is documented with earlier colonial Massachusetts potters that the very same articles were produced by coastal Massachusetts potters long before hostilities began."

From my studies, I have found that this form is the style that is most commonly mistaken for the Upton Pottery today. I feel it was most likely made in southeastern Massachusetts. I did discuss this object earlier this week, but I wanted to show it, again, since I was able to obtain its original acquisition records from Old Sturbridge, Village in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.

New Hampshire antiques dealer, Roger Bacon sold this object to the museum in 1957 for $22. Bacon reportedly found the pitcher within an early context of ownership in New Hampshire.

The museum also purchased a few other pieces of red earthenware from Mr. Bacon along with this pitcher, which included an important red earthenware churn, which was also found in New Hampshire. According to Old Sturbridge Village, "This churn has been marked with the name of the recipient, 'Lucinda Osborn,' and the date '1822' in trailed white slip.

Note: New Hampshire antiques dealer, Roger Bacon sold and donated a lot of pottery to Old Sturbridge Village and Strawbery Banke in Portsmouth, New Hampshire in the 1950's, 1960's and 1970's. I never realized that he was so involved with New England pottery until I began to study these collections. He really made a number of incredible contributions to both of these museum's collections.

Here is also a link to an article that discusses a collection of pottery made in southeastern Massachusetts that is owned by the Little Compton, Rhode Island Historical Society, which retains an early history of ownership in Rhode Island. The article also shows a group of sherds from southeastern Massachusetts that were recovered in a late-eighteenth and early-nineteenth-century archaeological context in Rhode Island.

Pitcher from Roger Bacon at Old Stubridge Village

Late-18th or Early-19th Century Green-Glazed Red Earthenware Pitcher

This Form was Attributed to the Upton Pottery in East Greenwich, RI in 1931

However, it was Likely Made in Southeastern Massachusetts

Circa 1780-1830

Stands 10 1/2" Tall

See Article For More Information

Donated to Old Sturbridge Village in Mass. by NH Antiques Dealer, Roger Bacon in 1957

Photo Courtesy: Old Sturbridge Village - Sturbridge, Mass.

Pitcher's Original Acquisition Records

Page 1

Photo Courtesy: Old Sturbridge Village - Sturbridge, Mass.

Pitcher's Original Acquisition Records

Page 2

Photo Courtesy: Old Sturbridge Village - Sturbridge, Mass.

Churn from Roger Bacon at Old Stubridge Village

19th Century Red Earthenware Churn Likely Made by the Osborn Family in Either MA or NH

Marked in Slip with the Name of the Recipient, 'Lucinda Osborn'

Also Dated in Slip '1822'

Stands Approximately 15" Tall

Published by Old Sturbridge Village in a Museum Booklet in 1959

Photo Courtesy: Old Sturbridge Village - Sturbridge, MA

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

The Continued Study About the 18th Century Potters in Rhode Island

I told a friend yesterday that I thought any red earthenware, which was made at the Upton brothers pottery in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, circa 1771-1783 is likely rarer than pottery made in Charlestown, Massachusetts before the American Revolution. My reason for such a statement is a result of the magnitude of the production, where there were only two potters, who produced pottery in East Greenwich, and Charlestown employed more than forty potters in the 1700's.

Charlestown was also a major industry that exported pottery throughout New England; East Greenwich was just a small potter's business that lasted for no more than twelve-years. We know that there were a number of kilns in Charelestown that made a ton of pottery. However, we do not know the size of the kiln that was built in East Greenwich, and we do not know how much pottery was actually produced. The only evidence that I can see from the Upton Pottery today is an advertisement.

Interestingly, I have seen more than ten examples of pottery attributed to the Upton brothers in the past five-years at nationally recognized auctions. I believe some of the objects are also attributed to a period of production in Rhode Island that did not exist. Currently, there are not even ten whole examples of Charlestown red earthenware known today outside of an archaeological context.

I really believe that the article, 'Early Rhode Island Pottery,' which was published in the January 1931 edition of 'The Magazine Antiques' has misled collectors and museums for more than eighty-five-years.

The article was written by noted Cape Cod, Massachusetts collector, Charles D. Cook, who owned a famous collection of red earthenware, which descended in his family until most of it was sold by Skinner in Boston in the early-2000's.

It appears that Cook was friends with Mrs. William Whitman, Jr., who lived in Simsbury, Connecticut. She also owned a collection of red earthenware and stoneware; unfortunately, she misinterpreted some of her collection.

Mrs. William Whitman, Jr. helped published in the 1920's that Jeremiah Burpee (1781-1862) produced a type of European stoneware in Boscowan, New Hampshire. This attribution was later corrected by Massachusetts author, Lura Woodside Watkins in 'Early New England Potters and Their Wares.' Watkins did not refer to Mrs. William Whitman, Jr. by name, but she did write that despite what had been previously published about the Burpee Pottery that the business only produced traditional country-style New England red earthenware. Watkins wrote that this business had been once associated with a type of European stoneware that was imported all over the American eastern seaboard in the 1800's. She said that this was incorrect information, where that pottery was shipped from England and continental Europe.

It seems that Mrs. William Whitman, Jr. and Charles D. Cook were also associated with two nationally recognized authors, John Spargo, who published, 'Early American Pottery and China' in 1926, and John Ramsay, who published, 'American Potters and Pottery' in 1939. Spargo and Ramsay illustrated some of Mrs. William Whitman, Jr.'s and Charles D. Cook's personal collection in their books; they attributed eighteenth-century black-glazed red earthenware from Buckley, England to Massachusetts, nineteenth-century brown-glazed stoneware from Europe to Jeremiah Burpee in Boscowan, New Hampshire and late-eighteenth or early-nineteenth-century red earthenware from southeastern Massachusetts to Barnstable, Massachusetts on Cape Cod.

It is even more interesting to note that Lura Woodside Watkins avoided most of Charles D. Cook's writing from the 1930's when she published 'Early New England Potters and Their Wares' in 1950. She admitted that there were mistakes made in Cook's article, 'Early Rhode Island Pottery,'  and she also disagreed with his attributions.

In fact, Watkins pretty much ignores the subject of Rhode Island red earthenware; although, she does cite the fact that the Upton brothers did established a pottery in East Greenwich around the American Revolution. However, she does not mention any sherds; nor did she write that any pottery from this business exists today. She called Rhode a meeting place, where a number of products were exported in the eighteenth and nineteenth-centuries, but it was also a place, where very-little production actually happened.

I think Watkins would largely disagree today with the amount of pottery that is said to be attributed to the small amount of production that actually happened in Rhode Island before 1783.

I also want to write that I completely trust all of Watkins' research above all other writers (and collectors) from this generation. She did a remarkable job with 'Early New England Potters and Their Wares,' considering that she basically began from scratch. It would be extremely difficult today if this book had not been published. I think Watkins sums up her research when she wrote her preface, which partially reads, "This book is the result of more than fifteen years of research. The study has been carried on, partly in libraries and town records, partly by conferences with descendants of potters and others familiar with their history, and partly by actually digging on the sites of potteries. The excavation method has proved most successful in showing what our New England potters were making at an early period now almost unrepresented by surviving specimens."

An Important Jar from SE Mass.
Nevertheless, this is the cover photo to the October 1931 edition of 'The Magazine Antiques.' John Spargo wrote an article for this edition that discussed the general idea of early American red earthenware and stoneware. This is possibly how he was introduced to Charles D. Cook. He used some of Cook's collection in this article to demonstrate the types of wares that were made in New England; although some of the black-glazed wares are actually from England.

Illustrated on the cover is an incredible red earthenware jar and lid, which is attributed to southeastern Massachusetts in the late-eighteenth or early-nineteenth-century. I do not know where this object resides today, but I would love to learn of its existence. The front of the jar is also decorated in slip with a person's initials. I would place this jar in the same category as were the marriage jars from southeastern Massachusetts, which I wrote about earlier this week.

Note: Here are links to the previous articles that I wrote earlier this week, which debate the subject of "Early Rhode Island Pottery."

1) 'Early Rhode Island Pottery' Article from the January 1931 Edition of 'The Magazine Antiques'

2) The Rhode Island Attribution that is Used Today

3) Joseph Wilson, a Colonial Massachusetts and Rhode Island Potter

Here is also a link to the article, which discussed three important red earthenware marriage jars that were made in southeastern Massachusetts in the early-nineteenth-century.

'The Magazine Antiques,' October 1931

October 1931 Edition of 'The Magazine Antiques

Cover Object Made in Southeastern Massachusetts

The Incredible Lid is Original

Circa Early-19th Century 

This Jar is Also Decorated in Slip with a Person's Initials

Charles D. Cook Collection - Cape Cod, Mass.

Photo Courtesy: The Magazine Antiques, October 1931

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

Joseph Wilson: A Pre-American Revolution Potter from Massachusetts and Rhode Island

To my knowledge: there were only two successful attempts to produce red earthenware in Rhode Island - the first attempt happened with Joseph Wilson (born 1735) in Providence, Rhode Island. Joseph was a member of the prominent Wilson family of potters, who operated a successful multi-generational business in South Danvers, Massachusetts in the eighteenth-century. This is also where he leaned the potter's craft; however, Wilson chose to travel elsewhere for work. He briefly settled in Dedham, Massachusetts in the early-1760's; although, he is later found in Providence, Rhode Island, circa 1767-1770.

In previous articles, I have cited an advertisement from the 'Newport (Rhode Island) Mercury' on June 22, 1767, which identifies some of the types of wares that Wilson produced in Providence: "Joseph Wilson - potter at the North End of Providence Informs the Public that he can Supply them with Earthen Ware at a Cheap Rate, made in the best Manner and Glazed in the Same Way as Practised in Philadelphia - All Persons in this Town may be regularly supplied by Means of the Boats which constantly pass between this Place and Providence."

This slip-decorated red earthenware pan was attributed by Lura Woodside Watkins in 'Early New England Potters and Their Wares' to Wilson's production in Dedham. Visually, I can see why Wilson compared his production in Providence to what was made in Philadelphia during the period. This is also likely how some the wares appeared, which Wilson produced in Providence.

Note: I do not know the whereabouts of this slip-decorated pan today, but I would be eager to learn otherwise if someone knows about its existence. I plan to contact the Dedham, Massachusetts Historical Society to see if they can help. Lura Woodside Watkins gave Mrs. Arthur M. Greenwood courtesy for the photo when her book was published in 1950.

Pan Attributed to Joseph Wilson - Dedham, Mass.

18th Century Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Pan

Attributed to Joseph Wilson - Dedham, Mass.

Dated '1764'

This is Likely How Some of Wilson's Production Appeared in Providence, RI

The Whereabouts of this Object is Currently Unknown (to me) Today

Photo Courtesy: Early New England Potters and Their  Wares, Figure 26, Watkins, 1950

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

The Continued Study into the Rhode Island Attribution that is Used Today

The most easily accessible example of pottery that is attributed to the Upton brothers in East Greenwich, Rhode Island today is a large green-glazed red earthenware pitcher, which is owned by Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. The pitcher is available online, but it is also kept in the museum's storage department.

The pitcher was donated in 1957 by New Hampshire antiques dealer, Roger Bacon. However, I question the East Greenwich attribution since it seems like that information was drawn from the 'Early Rhode Island Pottery' article that I dissected yesterday, which was published in the January 1931 edition of the 'Magazine Antiques.'

The attribution in the 'Early Rhode Island Pottery' article was loosely based on glaze-color and clay-color. But, there was no archaeology or examples that had direct ties to the Upton family for such an attribution to exist. I believe that article has been used ever since for the basis of a Rhode Island attribution.

The article was written by noted Cape Cod, Massachusetts collector, Charles D. Cook; however, Cook was also likely friends with antiques collector, Mrs. William Whitman, Jr., who lived in Simsbury, Connecticut. She owned a wonderful collection of early pottery; although, she is also responsible for a bad attribution that is often still used today, where she attributed in the 1920's a style of European stoneware to Jeremiah Burpee (1781-1862) in Boscowan, New Hampshire. She also published a group of pottery that she attributed to Barnstable, Massachusetts on Cape Cod, which is actually believed to have been made in southeastern Massachusetts in the 1700's. Here is a link to an article that further discusses this information. Unfortunately, I feel that Charles D. Cook may have misled collectors and museums when he published the article, 'Early Rhode Island Pottery.'

According to Old Sturbridge Village, "This green-glazed redware pitcher was found in New Hampshire. It is attributed to the Upton brothers pottery in East Greenwich, Rhode Island based on the jade green glaze, the form of the body and handle and the double beaded rim." 

Although, Charles D. Cook also illustrates two matching pitchers in his article, 'Early Rhode Island Pottery,' which he describes with similar characteristics.

I do not believe there is enough information today to attribute any pottery to eighteenth-century Rhode Island without further evidence, such as archaeology or pottery that is tied directly to the Upton brothers. I may have overlooked it, but I have not seen that kind evidence, yet.

There is also a handful of examples of pottery tied to the Uptons today, which seems unlikely, especially since this business is only known to have employed the Upton brothers. It was not an industry; rather, it was a small business. They were also only in business for about twelve-years over two-hundred and thirty-years ago. How much could have actually survived from this production?

The Uptons reportedly operated circa 1771-1783, where they had to build a kiln, find a clay source and produce pottery. It seems unlikely (to me) that they would have been producing pottery in large quantities. I feel it is more likely that a lot of this green-glazed pottery that is tied to the Uptons today would have been made in southeastern Massachusetts.

There was a known eighteenth-century potter's industry in southeastern Massachusetts, which employed dozens of talented potters at multiple businesses, where those businesses also fired pottery in a number of kilns. This industry was also only about thirty-miles north of East Greenwich, Rhode Island; understandably, red earthenware from southeastern Massachusetts would have easily traveled to Rhode during the 1771-1783 period.

Here is a link to an article that I wrote a few months ago that shows a group of eighteenth and early-nineteenth-century pottery from southeastern Massachusetts, which retains an early context of ownership in Rhode Island. All of this pottery is owned by the Little Compton, Rhode Island Historical Society today.

Note: Here is the link to the article that I posted yesterday, which further discusses the idea of what can be said about Rhode Island pottery today versus what was attributed to Rhode Island in 1931.

Here is also a link to a matching pitcher that sold at Skinner in Boston a few years ago. This pitcher retained a history of ownership in southeastern Massachusetts. It is also attributed to southeastern Massachusetts, circa 1790-1830, which contradicts the attribution that was given to this form in Charles D. Cook's article.

Old Sturbridge Village Pitcher

Late-18th or Early-19th Century Green-Glazed Red Earthenware Pitcher

This Form was Attributed to the Upton Pottery in East Greenwich, RI in 1931

However, I Feel it was Made in Southeastern Massachusetts

Circa 1780-1830

Stands 10 1/2" Tall

See Article For More Information

Donated to Old Sturbridge Village in Mass. by NH Antiques Dealer, Roger Bacon

Photo Courtesy: Old Sturbridge Village - Sturbridge, Mass.

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

The First Piece of Red Earthenware that I Ever Owned

There might be some people reading this article, who may recall, when I asked, "Do you remember the first piece of pottery that you owned?" This is a question that I often ask when I am fortunate to view a collector's personal collection of red earthenware and/or stoneware.

With that said, this is my first piece of red earthenware - I remember when my Dad brought it home from a local Essex County, Massachusetts flea market in the late-1990's. I guess this can be defined as the object, where it all began. Obviously, my interests have only grown from this jug; although, it was something about the history of this object that initially spoke to me.

Ironically, this jug was also likely made in Essex County in the 1700's. The large rounded foot, the color of the manganese, the manufacture of the handle and the overall form suggests (to me) that it may have been produced at the Daniel Bayley Pottery Company in Newburyport, Massachusetts, circa 1764-1799.

Note: I have included pictures of two jugs that were made at the Daniel Bayley Pottery Company in Newburyport, Massachusetts. Basically, the only difference found on my jug when compared to these jugs is the two incised lines that were added for decoration on my jug. I have seen eighteenth and nineteenth-century potter's businesses in Essex County, Massachusetts use this type of decoration on some jugs and choose not to use it on other jugs. This is not an attributable characteristic that can prove or discredit an attribution. It's all about the form - a simple incised line or a glaze are usually an afterthought when determining an appropriate attribution.

The First Piece of Red Earthenware

Likely 18th-Century Red Earthenware Jug
Form Suggests May Have Been Made at the Daniel Bayley Pottery Co. - Newburyport, Mass.
Likely Circa 1764-1799
Stands 7 1/4" Tall
My Dad Found this at a Newburyport-Area Flea Market in the Late-1990's

Another View of the Jug

Also a View of the Glazed Rounded Foot

Another View of the Foot

This Section of the Foot was Not Glazed

Museums of Old York, Maine Historical Society

 18th Century Black-Glazed Red Earthenware Jug

Attributed to the Daniel Bayley Pottery Company - Newburyport, Mass.

Inscribed 'For the Use of Mr. Noble's CHURCH July 10, 1763
Circa 1763

Stands 10 1/2" Tall

Photo Courtesy: Old York Historical Society - York, ME

View of the Handle

Photo Courtesy: Old York Historical Society - York, ME

Historical Society of Old Newbury, Massachusetts

18th Century Black-Glazed Red Earthenware Jug

Attributed to the Daniel Bayley Pottery Company - Newburyport, Mass.

Circa 1766-1799

Stands Approximately 9 1/2" Tall

Photo Courtesy: Old Newbury Historical Society - Newburyport, Mass.

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

18th Century Red Earthenware that is Often Attributed to Rhode Island Today

I have dissected an article that was written in the early-1930's for the 'Magazine Antiques,' which looks at eighteenth-century red earthenware production in Rhode Island. The article focuses on the only two successful Rhode Island red earthenware businesses that are known; however, I feel there is a lot more to be learned about this production today.

Upton Brothers Pottery - East Greenwich, Rhode Island
Circa 1771-1783
History indicates the Upton Pottery was established by two brothers, Isaac Upton (1736-1824) and Samuel Upton (1748-1810) in East Greenwich, Rhode Island. It was purportedly a business that was established amid the American Revolution Era during the circa 1771-1783 period. A brief history of this business is reportedly preserved in a book published in 1892, titled 'China Collecting in America,' which was written by Alice Morse Earle.

According to Earle, "Around the commencement of the Revolutionary War a man named Upton came from Nantucket to East Greenwich, Rhode Island, and there manufactured red earthenware. The pottery when made was baked in a kiln which stood at the corner of King and Marlboro Streets. He made pans, bowls, plates, cups and saucers of common red clay, a little finer than that now used in the manufacture of flower pots. As little porcelain was imported from Europe during the War, people used willingly, and even eagerly, the coarse plates, and drank their 'Liberty Tea' from the coarse cups and saucers. The clay came from Goold's Mount, now owned by Mr. Henry Waterman, of Quidneset, Rhode Island. After the war ended, Upton went back to his safety-assured home on Nantucket and the Greenwich Pottery was closed."

I have always questioned what was ultimately produced at the Upton Pottery since there is no archaeology (to my knowledge) from this business, which was actually found at the site of the Upton Pottery. Lura Woodside Watkins wrote about this business in 'Early New England Potters and Their Wares;' however, she never cited any known examples that were made by the Upton brothers.

Noted Cape Cod, Massachusetts collector, Charles D. Cook was likely aware of the information published by Alice Morse Early in 1892 when he wrote an article titled, 'Early Rhode Island Pottery' for the January 1931 edition of the 'Magzine Antiques.' The article shows a group of illustrated examples, which were used from Cook's collection. I could be wrong, but I believe this article is where the Upton Pottery attributions are drawn from today. However, there is no archaeology cited in this article. Instead, this is how the attributions are identified:

 "Figure 1 - Surfaced (covered) with a characteristic jade green glaze that, in conjunction with the nature of the clay employed, seems to identify the product of the Upton brothers' pottery in East Greenwich."

"Figure 2 - In body and glaze so similar to the items illustrated in Figure 1 as to be attributable to the Uptons."

Unfortunately, the objects shown in Figure 2 resemble (to me): (left) a late-eighteenth or early-nineteenth-century jug made in southeastern Massachusetts, (middle) a late-eighteenth or early-nineteenth-century pitcher made in southeastern Massachusetts, (right) and a nineteenth-century jug possibly made in northern New England.

Given the fact that there was an established potter's industry in southeastern Massachusetts in the eighteenth-century, which employed dozens of talented potters - then, how can these products that are said to have been made by the Uptons be guaranteed to be from the Upton Pottery. After all, there is still much to be learned about the eighteenth-century red earthenware production that took place in southeastern Massachusetts, as well. There was also much more production in southeastern Massachusetts when compared to what reportedly happened in Rhode Island.

I also find it difficult to say that a certain object was made at the Upton Pottery when it is known that a related style of production happened less-than thirty-miles to the north. The clay likely appeared the same, as well. For example, I have seen in southern Maine that the clay can appear pale, but it can also appear dark even when it is harvested from the same clay source.

It is also noted in Alice Morse Earle's article that the Upton's produced pottery that could be used for the consumption of tea, which I do not doubt; however, it is also known that the potters in southeastern Massachusetts also produced products related to the production of tea during the same period. Here is a properly attributed example that was made in southeastern Massachusetts from the collection of Lewis Scranton in Killingworth, Connecticut.

Note: Skinner sold the majority of Charles D. Cook's collection in Boston in the early-2000's. Interestingly, two of the objects that were attributed by Cook to Rhode Island were identified by Skinner as products from southeastern Massachusetts, circa 1790-1830. Among those objects was a pitcher that is shown in Figure 1 of Cook's article that is said to exhibit a green-glaze and a clay color that is "...identifiable to the Upton brother's pottery in East Greenwich."

Here is a link to the green-glazed pitcher that sold from Charles D. Cook's collection, which was pictured in Figure 1 of the article. It is shown second from left with what I believe is a lid that was later added; although, it was sold without a lid at Skinner's in 2003.

Here is a link to the green-glazed pitcher that sold from Charles D. Cook's collection that was pictured in the middle of Figure 2 in the article.

Joseph Wilson Pottery - Providence, Rhode Island
Circa 1767-1770
To my knowledge: there were only two successful attempts to produce red earthenware in Rhode Island - the first attempt happened with Joseph Wilson (born 1735) in Providence, Rhode Island. Joseph was a member of the prominent Wilson family of potters, who operated a successful multi-generational business in South Danvers, Massachusetts in the eighteenth-century. However, Joseph Wilson chose to travel elsewhere for work - he briefly settled in Dedham, Massachusetts in the early-1760's; although, he is later found in Providence, circa 1767-1770.

Nonetheless, Charles D. Cook did illustrate an olive green-glazed lidded red earthenware jug in his article that he wrote for the January 1931 edition of the 'Magazine Antiques,' which he says is "ascribed" or attributed to Joseph Wilson in Providence. This is potentially a highly important piece of pottery. Unfortunately, I do not know its whereabouts today, but I would be eager to learn otherwise if anyone is familiar with its existence.

According to Cook, "Figure 3 - This eighteenth century covered jug or jar is covered in an olive green glaze with large orange mottlings. It is ascribed to Joseph Wilson, who was potting in Providence as early as 1767."

In previous articles, I have cited an advertisement from the 'Newport (Rhode Island) Mercury' on June 22, 1767, which identifies some of the types of wares that Wilson produced in Providence: "Joseph Wilson - potter at the North End of Providence Informs the Public that he can Supply them with Earthen Ware at a Cheap Rate, made in the best Manner and Glazed in the Same Way as Practised in Philadelphia - All Persons in this Town may be regularly supplied by Means of the Boats which constantly pass between this Place and Providence."

What is especially interesting about the lidded jug that Cook attributes to Wilson is the fact that a similar form was also produced in Essex County, Massachusetts in the 1700's (see below). Understandably, Wilson was an Essex County trained potter before he established a business in Providence; therefore, some of the pottery that he produced was likely influenced by the wares that were made in Essex County.

Note: I do not believe the jug that is attributed to Joseph Wilson was sold when Skinner was consigned the bulk of Charles D. Cook's collection in the early-2000's.

Early Rhode Island Pottery Artcle
Written by Charles D. Cook, Magazine Antiques, January 1931

Early Rhode Island Pottery Article

Written by Charles D. Cook for the Magazine Antiques, January 1931

Page 37

Photo Courtesy: Magazine Antiques, January 1931

Early Rhode Island Pottery Article

Written by Charles D. Cook for the Magazine Antiques, January 1931

Page 38

Photo Courtesy: Magazine Antiques, January 1931

Early Rhode Island Pottery Article
Upton Brothers - East Greenwich, Rhode Island
Circa 1771-1783

Figure 1

Objects Reportedly Made by the Upton Brothers in East Greenwich, RI

All Decorated with a Green Glaze

All Objects Owned by Charles D. Cook - Cape Cod

See Article for More Information

Reportedly Circa 1771-1783

(Second Left) Sold at Skinner's in Boston in 2003

Photo Courtesy: Magazine Antiques, January 1931

Figure 2

Said to be Products Made in Rhode Island

All Decorated with a Green Glaze

However, these Objects Appear Like Styles Made Elsewhere

All Objects Owned by Charles D. Cook - Cape Cod

See Article for More Information

(Left) Appears Like a Late-18th or Early-19th Century Jug from SE Mass.

(Middle) Appears Like a Late-18th or Early-19th Century Pitcher from SE Mass.

Sold at Skinner's in Boston in 2003

(Right) Appears Like a Northern New England Jug

Photo Courtesy: Magazine Antiques, January 1931

Early Rhode Island Pottery Article
Joseph Wilson - Providence, Rhode Island
Circa 1767-1770

Figure 3

18th Century Red Earthenware Jug Decorated with an Olive Green Glaze and Orange Mottling

Attributed to Joseph Wilson in Providence, RI

A Similar Form was Also Made in Essex County, Mass. (See Below)

Owned by Charles D. Cook - Cape Cod

See Article for More Information

Reportedly Circa 1767-1770

 18th Century Red Earthenware Jug Attributed to Essex County, Mass.

This Form is Similar to the Object Described by Cook that is Attributed to Joseph Wilson

Circa 1760-1790

Stands 8 1/2" Tall

Ex-Lewis Scranton Collection - Killingworth, CT

Photo Courtesy: Lewis Scranton Collection - Killingworth, CT

View of the Handle

Photo Courtesy: Lewis Scranton Collection - Killingworth, CT

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

A Very Important Pair of Early-19th Century Red Earthenware Marriage Jars

A very-important pair of southeastern Massachusetts slip-decorated red earthenware marriage jars were published in the January 1974 edition of the 'Magazine Antiques.' Surprisingly, neither of these objects (to my knowledge) have been formally published before in a book or a magazine article. Instead, they are relatively unknown objects today. I have also never seen either of these jars outside of this advertisement, which was placed by Ashley Falls, Massachusetts antique dealers, John Bihler and Henry Coger.

The whereabouts of these jars are also unknown (to me); although, it is believed that they are possibly owned by a museum. I assume they must be tucked away in an American museum's storage facility; however, I would be eager to learn where these jars are kept today if anyone reading this is familiar with their existence.

According to Bihler and Coger, "(This) pair of  slipware decorated marriage jars were made for George and Debby Purinton from Tiverton, Rhode Island, circa 1800." The jars are also decorated with very-unusual birds that were applied in slip.

Massachusetts author, Lura Woodside Watkins cites George Purinton in 'Early New England Potters and Their Wares,' "As it is still possible in the small town of Somerset, Massachusetts to locate some of the old pottery dumps (in 1950), it may not be amiss to mention the potters who ran the little shops. 

The last descendant of the Purinton family to practice the potter's art was George S. Purinton (1816-1897), son of George Purinton (1784-1858, who is likely the name written on the jars). He lived in a house formerly owned by one Samuel Purinton that originally stood on Assonet Neck, but was moved down the river over the ice to Pottersville. 

The building was placed on a site west of the spot where the Hanson house now stands and probably about where the Chace-Purinton house had stood before. Mr. Hanson remembers this home of his grandparents. It is reported that George Purinton's kiln was located on the waterfront (which aloud for easy transportation of the red earthenware)."

A genealogy search has revealed that George Purinton was born in Somerset in 1784 to Clark Purinton, Jr. and Sarah Purinton. George married Deborah Purinton in 1808, which likely indicates the year that the jars were made. The couple had one son, George Shove Purinton, who was born in Somerset in 1816. George passed away in 1858 at the age of 74. It is believed that George was a potter for the majority of his life.

There is another marriage jar known (see below) that is also believed to be tied to the Purinton family, which was owned by Falmouth, Massachusetts antique dealers, Hilary and Paulette Nolan. This jar is dated in slip '1812' under one handle, and the the initials 'AP' are found under the other handle. The initials may stand for a daughter, who got married in 1812. The jar is decorated with a bright orange-glaze with floral slip-decoration and splashes of bright-green. This jar was sold when the Nolans sold their collection of red earthenware in the summer of 2004 at Northeast Auctions annual summer Americana sale in Manchester, New Hampshire.

This is a list of the Purinton family members, who are known to have been active in the potter's industry - the family began in Essex County, Massachusetts in the early-to-mid 1700's before they established a few Purinton Pottery kiln sites in Somerset. It should also be noted that the Purinton family manufactured red earthenware (and some stoneware ) into the second-half of the nineteenth-century.

Purinton Pottery of South Danvers and Somerset, Mass.

1) Daniel Purinton (South Danvers and Somerset) – d. 1764

2) Clark Purinton – son of Daniel (Somerset) – b. 1730 d. 1786

3) Clark Purinton Jr. – son of Clark (Somerset) – d. 1817

4) George Purinton – son of Clark Jr. (Somerset) - b. 1784 d. 1858

5) Dexter Purinton - son of George (Somerset) - b. 1811 d. 1880

6) George S. Purinton - son of George (Somerset) –  b. 1816 d. 1897

7) Samuel S. Purinton - son of George (Somerset) – b. 1817
8) David P. Purinton – son of Samuel (Somerset) – b. 1824 d. 1900
9) Charles Otis Purinton - son of Samuel S. (Somerset) - b. 1849

Note: Here is a link to an article that previewed a very-important marriage jar that was made in Whately, Massachusetts, which sold at Crocker Farm in Maryland in 2014. Ultimately, Historic Deerfield acquired this object for the museum's collection in Deerfield, Massachusetts.

Pair of SE Mass Marriage Jars, Circa 1808

Pair of 19th Century Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Marriage Jars

Likely Made at the Purinton Pottery - Somerset, Mass.

Circa 1808

Photo Courtesy: The Magazine Antiques, January 1974

Another View of the Marriage Jars
This is a Black & White Image
Circa 1808

Photo Courtesy: The Magazine Antiques, January 1974

View of the Description About the Jars

Photo Courtesy: The Magazine Antiques, January 1974

SE Mass Marriage Jar, Circa 1812

(Middle) 19th Century Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Marriage Jars

Likely Made at the Purinton Pottery - Somerset, Mass.

Circa 1812

Photo Courtesy; Northeast Auctions, August 2004, Portsmouth, NH

This map shows what is meant today when a piece of pottery is attributed to southeastern Massachusetts, where a potter's industry was located in four communities to the west of New Bedford, Massachusetts in the eighteenth and nineteenth-centuries. There was also an important nineteenth-century potter's business found to the east of New Bedford in Barnstable, Massachusetts.

Map of Southeastern Massachusetts

Map Shows the Pottery Industries that Surrounded New Bedford, Mass.

The Purinton Pottery was Located in Somerset, Mass (3)

Photo Courtesy: Google Maps

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

A Rare 19th Century Red Earthenware Jar Made at the Corliss Pottery in Woolwich, Maine

This is a rare large nineteenth-century red earthenware jar that Maine auctioneer, Rusty Farrin sold five-years ago at a Thanksgiving weekend sale in Randolph, Maine. This impressive jar was attributed to the John Corliss Pottery in the Days Ferry section of Woolwich, Maine, circa 1830-1860.

The size of this object is probably what was most appealing, where it stood about twelve-inches tall. The lid was also believed to be original as the number incised on the base of the lid matched the number incised on the base of the jar.

To my knowledge: this is the only jar of this form that is known from the Corliss Pottery today. Its whereabouts is known; although, it is currently owned privately in Maine.

Rare John Corliss Pottery Jar

19th Century Red Earthenware Jar Attributed to the John Corliss Pottery - Woolwich, ME

The Form and Size is Extremely Rare from this Potter's Business

Circa 1830-1860

Stands Approximately 12" Tall

Photo Courtesy: Rusty Farrin - Randolph, ME

Another View of the Jar

Photo Courtesy: Dr. Mark Chaplin - Maine and Massachusetts 

 View of One Handle

Photo Courtesy: Dr. Mark Chaplin - Maine and Massachusetts 

Another View of One Handle

Photo Courtesy: Dr. Mark Chaplin - Maine and Massachusetts 

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