Red Earthenware Recovered from a Circa 1780-1790 Privy in Philadelphia

In the 1760s and 1770s, red earthenware potters in New York City and Providence, Rhode Island (and likely others) advertised their production in competition to what was manufactured in Philadelphia. These ads were placed by Jonathan Durell, a Philadelphia trained potter employed in Manhattan and Joseph Wilson, an Essex County, Massachusetts trained potter who relocated around the state before he settled in Providence sometime around 1767.

The public's attraction to Philadelphia-made pottery likely involved a number of factors, but the colors and slip-decoration applied on various objects probably contributed to the trends set by this industry. Philadelphia's production was apparently fashionable during this period, and this movement must have continued after the American Revolution.

All of the following red earthenware artifacts were recently recovered by Bruce Adwell from a circa 1780 to 1790 privy in Philadelphia. They are all thought to have been locally made - and it is also interesting to see the focus given to both slip-decorated wares as well as simple black-glazed wares.

Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware

Late-18th Century Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Plate Attributed to Philadelphia

Recovered from a Circa 1780-1790 Privy in Philadelphia

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Photo Courtesy: Bruce Adwell

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

Recovered from a Circa 1780-1790 Privy in Philadelphia

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Photo Courtesy: Bruce Adwell

Late-18th Century Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Bowl Attributed to Philadelphia

Recovered from a Circa 1780-1790 Privy in Philadelphia

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Photo Courtesy: Bruce Adwell

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

Recovered from a Circa 1780-1790 Privy in Philadelphia

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Bruce Adwell

Late-18th Century Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Plate Attributed to Philadelphia

Recovered from a Circa 1780-1790 Privy in Philadelphia

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Bruce Adwell

Late-18th Century Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Bowl Attributed to Philadelphia

Recovered from a Circa 1780-1790 Privy in Philadelphia

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Bruce Adwell

Late-18th Century Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Plate Attributed to Philadelphia

Recovered from a Circa 1780-1790 Privy in Philadelphia

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Bruce Adwell

Black-Glazed Red Earthenware

Late-18th Century Black-Glazed Red Earthenware Mug Attributed to Philadelphia

Recovered from a Circa 1780-1790 Privy in Philadelphia

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Photo Courtesy: Bruce Adwell

Late-18th Century Black-Glazed Red Earthenware Chamber Pot Attributed to Philadelphia

Recovered from a Circa 1780-1790 Privy in Philadelphia

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Photo Courtesy: Bruce Adwell

Late-18th Century Black-Glazed Red Earthenware Chamber Pot Attributed to Philadelphia

Recovered from a Circa 1780-1790 Privy in Philadelphia

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Photo Courtesy: Bruce Adwell

Late-18th Century Black-Glazed Red Earthenware Pitcher Attributed to Philadelphia

Recovered from a Circa 1780-1790 Privy in Philadelphia

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Photo Courtesy: Bruce Adwell

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