EarlyAmericanCeramics.com: An Outstanding 19th Century John Bell Earthenware Pitcher Sells in Pittsburgh

Friday, September 10, 2021

An Outstanding 19th Century John Bell Earthenware Pitcher Sells in Pittsburgh

This outstanding nineteenth century earthenware pitcher stamped "J. BELL" sold yesterday at Concept Art Gallery in Pittsburgh. The mark stands for John Bell, one of the most important potters in America in the 1800s. Related pitchers are displayed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan and the Renfrew Museum in Pennsylvania.

Born in Hagerstown, Maryland, John Bell (1800-1880) learned the potter's trade from his father Peter Bell (1775-1847), and he later emerged as one of America's preeminent red earthenware, earthenware and stoneware potters in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania once his pottery opened in 1833. While there he and his wife Elizabeth had nine children several of whom joined the family business.

In many ways, Bell's techniques and innovative glazes are among the best produced during the period; many scholars even refer to much of Bell's red earthenware production as the best in America.

Upon Bell's death in 1880, his son John W. Bell (1828-1895), who worked for his father for many years, gained ownership of the pottery, and operated the Waynesboro business from 1881 until his death in 1895. The business eventually caught fire and burned in 1899. The Bell pottery in Waynesboro ended production all-together in 1908.

The lot also included a nineteenth century red earthenware food mold probably from Pennsylvania; the two pieces sold for $8,250 plus the auction premiums.

An Outstanding 19th Century John Bell Earthenware Pitcher