Important Example of Locally Made Grecian Style Pottery Rediscovered in the Collection of the Beverly, Massachusetts Historical Society

I have visited the Beverly, Massachusetts Historical Society on a few occasions over the past seven or eight years, while researching the history of the Charles A. Lawrence Pottery in Beverly, circa 1860s-1906. My interest initially began with the glazed and slip-decorated utilitarian red earthenware made at this company. But it quickly evolved into a passion to learn more about the painted Grecian pottery (as well as the undecorated Grecian wares), which happens to be a subject that has been largely forgotten. Although, Lawrence was also the first American potter to partake in this type of production in the early 1870s, even though some potters have gained some fame today for their Grecian style pottery, despite their production happening in the years and decades that followed Lawrence.

In spite of that, I was very surprised to learn this week that the Beverly Historical Society actually does own an excellent Grecian style hand-painted vase made at the C.A. Lawrence Pottery. It was to my knowledge that they did not own any examples of this type of production. However, I have learned otherwise, and I hope to visit the historical society this winter so I can share more pictures of this wonderful vase, which must have been in long-term storage during my previous visits.

As a matter of fact, it appears that the historical society did not even realize they owned it; while gathering objects for an exhibit this past spring, the important vase was rediscovered in storage. They posted the vase on Facebook thinking it was made in Greece, saying it was going to be included in an upcoming "Souvenirs from Abroad" exhibition. But upon further inspection, the historical society was rather surprised to learn that it was actually locally made in the nineteenth century.

According to the information that I have been able to gather so far from the Beverly Historical Society, "Massachusetts was first recognized as a state on February 6, 1788, and this vase was (reportedly) made in 1888 by Charles A. Lawrence in recognition of the Massachusetts Statehood centennial. It was painted by Joseph Pitman, an artist and a salesman at the pottery company who lived in Beverly."

The base has been stamped, "Beverly Pottery / Antiquarian and Centennial / Beverly, Mass. / C.A. Lawrence." Furthermore, the base was also signed by Pitman, "T. Pittman / Artist / 877." This is only the third example of pottery I have seen marked from Beverly, and the only painted piece that I have seen signed by Pitman. I would venture to say that the combination of the mark and the signature is probably a one-of-a-kind piece today. The other two known marked pieces of Beverly Grecian style pottery are owned privately and by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan.

Note: Upon further inspection and talking with the historical society, I would like to learn why the museum says this vase was made in 1888 for the Massachusetts Statehood centennial instead of the Centennial in 1876, which celebrated 100 years of America's independence.

Painted Grecian Style Vase from the C.A. Lawrence Pottery in Beverly, Mass.

19th Century Hand-Painted Grecian Style Red Earthenware Vase

Manufactured at the C.A. Lawrence Pottery in Beverly, Mass

Rediscovered in Storage at the Beverly, Mass. Historical Society

Stamped and Signed on the Base

Reportedly Circa 1888

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Beverly Historical Society

 Stamped, "Beverly Pottery / Antiquarian and Centennial / Beverly, Mass. / C.A. Lawrence"

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Beverly Historical Society

Signed by the Artist, Thomas Pitman

"T. Pittman / Artist / 877"

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Beverly Historical Society

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