EarlyAmericanCeramics.com: Red Earthenware and Stoneware from the Lamson Pottery Owned by the Exeter, New Hampshire Historical Society

Monday, May 21, 2018

Red Earthenware and Stoneware from the Lamson Pottery Owned by the Exeter, New Hampshire Historical Society

I wrote a feature story that was published this past winter in Maine Antique Digest called, 'The Dodges and Their Potteries.' The article focused on the eighteenth and nineteenth century red earthenware produced by the Dodge family in Exeter, New Hampshire, Portsmouth, New Hampshire and Portland, Maine. I also briefly examined the impact of the Lamson family, who later acquired the Dodge Potteries in Exeter and Portland. But the Lamsons production was barely discussed, especially the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth century wares; whereas, production prior to this period was mixed between the Dodges and Lamsons and can be difficult to differentiate among the two families today.

Nonetheless, it has been about ten years now since I photographed all of the objects owned by the Exeter Historical Society that are associated with the Lamson Pottery in Exeter. The wares include both stoneware and red earthenware; although, the stoneware forms were not produced in Exeter, and are usually marked "F.H. LAMSON / EXETER NH."

It was a similar situation with J.S. Taft and Company in Keene, New Hampshire, where comparable types of stoneware were sold circa 1871-1917. I often hear today that this stoneware was made in Keene, but like the Lamson Pottery, it was made at another company and just stamped with the "J.S. TAFT and COMPANY" mark. I've heard this stoneware was actually made in New Jersey and then shipped to these companies, but I don't have proof to support that statement.

I have also posted a late-nineteenth century red earthenware price list from Exeter, which reveals the company produced lard pots, milk pans, beans pot, bread pans, deep pans, plates, chamber pots, unglazed flowerpots, glazed flowerpots, hanging flowerpots, wash bowls and cake cups. I have little doubt that much of this production survives today and some of it may be attributed to another location.

Interestingly, the historical society owns two red earthenware banks or money boxes made in Exeter, which are forms commonly found in the antique marketplace today. These forms are also regularly attributed elsewhere to places such as Pennsylvania. I cannot say whether this was an exclusive form made in Exeter, but I assume this type of production was manufactured in abundance at the Lamson Pottery and it must have traveled, as well. One of the banks even retains its original paper label on the base identifying it as a product from Exeter.

The last object that I have posted is a red earthenware vase that was also made at the Lamson Pottery in Exeter, which also retains its original paper label on the base. This object has been painted, but the artwork was likely not accomplished at the pottery and instead painted by an early owner. This type of post-production decoration is fairly common to find with red earthenware produced during this period in Exeter.

Note: For more information about the Lamson Pottery in Exeter, New Hampshire, I suggest Massachusetts author, Lura Woodside Watkins' book, 'Early New England Potters and Their Wares,' as well as 'The Old Exeter Pottery Works' written by a descendant of the Lamson Pottery, Everett C. Lamson.

Lamson Pottery Stoneware

19th Century 3 Gallon Stoneware Crock Decorated with Cobalt Birds

Marked "F.H. LAMSON / EXETER / NH"
Notice How the Museum Card Reads "Made for the Lamson Pottery"
Stoneware Was Not Made in Exeter, But It was Sold

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Exeter, NH Historical Society