Red Earthenware Manufactured in Baltimore, Maryland, Circa 1763-1850

Yesterday, I posted an introductory article about the relatively unknown red earthenware production that happened in Baltimore, Maryland in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The city is known for its dynamic stoneware production during this period; however, it appears that the red earthenware aspect has been a subject that has been somewhat overlooked for the past century. In fact, there is hardly any material published on the topic.

I also wrote that not a lot is known about this production; although, in recent years, a group of individuals who dig privies in the city have uncovered a number of locally produced objects. If it were not for the preservation of these artifacts, then most of this production would be lost to construction and history.

Over the next few days, I plan to show a number of locally made objects that have been recovered by some of the people who dig privies in the city. This story begins with Chris Rowell who is responsible for discovering many important objects, which are not only limited to red earthenware production in Baltimore. But he has also recovered a variety of important artifacts from various contexts in Philadelphia, as well.

The selection of red earthenware that I have posted this morning really demonstrates the type of red earthenware production that took place in Baltimore, circa 1763-1850. Some of these objects also appear to exhibit a Philadelphia influence in production, especially some of the slip-decorated bowls and pans.

Dozens of examples are represented in the first photograph, and it should be noted that a variety of black-glazed wares are included in the exhibit. These type of objects are often generically attributed to Pennsylvania today (usually eastern Pennsylvania); however, it is obvious that similar styles were also manufactured in Baltimore.

I also wrote yesterday that red earthenware plates and platters do not appear to have been a typical style of production in Baltimore; whereas, this household need may have been fulfilled with imported wares from Philadelphia and Europe. Interestingly, I have also posted a circa 1790-1805 slip-decorated red earthenware dish attributed to Philadelphia, which was uncovered in Baltimore.

It is documented today that red earthenware was shipped from Philadelphia to Delaware in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Baltimore was also likely a destination for these type of wares, which would have perhaps traveled a similar route as did the wares that landed in Delaware. However, the amount of Philadelphia production that ended up in Baltimore is unknown since the market demand was obviously filled locally, as well.

Nonetheless, given the fact that surviving Baltimore red earthenware is likely rare today outside of a privy or an archaeological context - I am curious to know how much actually survives and either lacks a proper attribution or is incorrectly attributed to another location in America.

The following group of photos should be thrilling for anyone who has never seen Baltimore red earthenware before. I consider some of the slip-decorated pitchers quintessential to the city's red earthenware production in the late-eighteenth and early-nineteenth century.

Baltimore Red Earthenware, Circa 1763-1850

Variety of Red Earthenware Attributed to Baltimore, MD
All Recovered from Various Contexts in Baltimore, MD

Circa 1763-1850

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Chris Rowell

Baltimore Red Earthenware Pitchers

Four 18th/19th Century Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Pitchers Attributed to Baltimore, MD

Note: The Small Pitcher is Attributed to Richmond, VA

Recovered Within a Circa 1780-1820 Context

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Chris Rowell

Three 18th/19th Century Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Pitchers Attributed to Baltimore, MD

Recovered Within a Circa 1780-1820 Context

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Chris Rowell

Baltimore Red Earthenware Chamber Pots

19th Century Red Earthenware Chamber Pots Attributed to Baltimore, MD

Recovered Within Circa 1830s-1840s Context

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Chris Rowell

Another View of Three of the Chamber Pots

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Chris Rowell

Philadelphia Red Earthenware Dish Recovered in Baltimore

18th/19th Century Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Dish Attributed to Philadelphia

Recovered in Baltimore, MD Within a Circa 1790-1805 Context

The Potters in Philadelphia were Likely Exporting Some Production to Baltimore, MD

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Chris Rowell

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