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

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