The Roger Pheulpin Collection of Redware Sells at Blackwood-March in Massachusetts

When I first got involved with American redware or red earthenware, I was basically only exposed to what was available to see in the public antiques marketplace, such as auctions, antique shops, online and antique shows, as well as the few books that I owned. Although, I really had no idea what was hidden deep in private collections throughout New England. 

However, a good friend of mine got me into Roger Pheulpin's collection in Gloucester, Massachusetts. I remember that back then I did not have a lot of confidence in myself in saying where I thought things were made, but I was so excited to see what Roger owned. His collection is important, and it took him a lifetime to assemble in New England, where many objects were hand-picked from homes with early contexts of ownership. 

Furthermore, Roger also knew Massachusetts author Lura Woodside Watkins (1897-1982), who wrote Early New England Potters and Their Wares in 1950, whereas he also owned some of the objects illustrated in the book. Almost the entirety of Watkins' collection is owned today by either the National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. or Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. 

Nevertheless, seeing and photographing this collection was a huge learning experience, and definitely one of the big influences in what I do today. Additionally, I remember that day very well! I sat and talked to Roger for hours and just took in everything that he had to say. And afterwards, I drove to a place in Danvers, Massachusetts that developed pictures, where I had large eight-by-ten photos of the following pictures all printed out for study. I remember it cost me almost $80, but it was well worth it because I have referenced these pictures for years, even to this day.

Roger was a true scholar with New England redware; he was definitely more than just a collector - he wanted to know where everything was made. Understandably, one of his big influences was Watkins. 

I also remember running into Roger ever Brimfield for years - he was setup alongside his good friend Hollis Brodrick. More times than I can count, I heard people say in Brimfield, "Bring that piece of redware over to Roger and see what he thinks!" I also heard people say to him, "When are you going to write a book on redware?" He would always humbly say, "I'm too old for that." And then he would point over to me and say, "But he's gonna write a book someday!" I want to thank Roger for influencing me early on, and being among the group of people who inspired me to write about redware. 

Needless to say, it was bittersweet to see much of Roger's collection sold yesterday through his good friend Michael March's auction house Blackwood-March in Essex, Massachusetts. Overall, there were some good prices, but there were other pieces that sold exceptionally well. The online sale was held through Invaluable and there was a preview for the sale last Saturday at the Beverly, Massachusetts Cove Community Center. I bought a few of my favorite pieces from the sale, although I also know that some of this pottery is now heading to museum collections. I also want to add that a few of the best pieces shown in the photos below were sold privately earlier this year, however the vast majority of this collection sold yesterday.

Note: Here is a link to the auction catalog: https://www.invaluable.com/catalog/1zqbdqkmkd?page=1&size=48

The Roger Pheulpin Collection of Redware

Roger Pheulpin's Collection of Red Earthenware

This is How he Kept it in is 18th Century House in Gloucester, Mass.

Every Piece Came with a Story that Roger Could Tell

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Roger Pheulpin's Collection of Red Earthenware

This is How he Kept it in is 18th Century House in Gloucester, Mass.

Every Piece Came with a Story that Roger Could Tell

See Article for More Information

Roger Pheulpin's Collection of Red Earthenware

This is How he Kept it in is 18th Century House in Gloucester, Mass.

Every Piece Came with a Story that Roger Could Tell

See Article for More Information

Roger Pheulpin's Collection of Red Earthenware

This is How he Kept it in is 18th Century House in Gloucester, Mass.

Every Piece Came with a Story that Roger Could Tell

See Article for More Information

Roger Pheulpin's Collection of Red Earthenware

This is How he Kept it in is 18th Century House in Gloucester, Mass.

Every Piece Came with a Story that Roger Could Tell

See Article for More Information

Roger Pheulpin's Collection of Red Earthenware

This is How he Kept it in is 18th Century House in Gloucester, Mass.

Every Piece Came with a Story that Roger Could Tell

See Article for More Information

Roger Pheulpin's Collection of Red Earthenware

This is How he Kept it in is 18th Century House in Gloucester, Mass.

Every Piece Came with a Story that Roger Could Tell

The Graduated Group of Handled Pots were Made in Merrimacport, Mass.

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Roger Pheulpin's Collection of Red Earthenware

This is How he Kept it in is 18th Century House in Gloucester, Mass.

Every Piece Came with a Story that Roger Could Tell

This Set of Black Jugs Sold Yesterday as a Group Lot

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