A Wonderful Example of Pottery Made as a Gift by Hugh Robertson at the Chelsea Keramic Art Works in Chelsea, Massachusetts

Earlier this year, I posted a story to this website, titled, Four 19th Century Earthenware Vases Made at the Chelsea Keramic Arts Works in Massachusetts in 1879 for the John J. Glessner House in Chicago, although I just learned the story of another object that is perhaps even more fascinating, which was also made in Chelsea, Massachusetts in the late nineteenth century.

The history of the Robertson family's pottery production in Massachusetts and California is well-known today, whereas the Robertson family immigrated from Scotland to America (by way of England) in 1853. They arrived  in New Jersey, although by 1866, a family-run business had opened in Chelsea that produced red earthenware flowerpots and vases - some of which were painted green. The flowerpots were not of a generic nature, but were intended for specific flowers like hyacinths and crocuses. However, a decade later, the product focus changed - and the business became known as the Chelsea Keramic Art Works.

The Chelsea Keramic Art Works was the first American ceramics firm to designate itself as an "art pottery." It was founded in Chelsea by members of the Robertson family, all of whom had honed their skills in the ceramics industry in Britain before coming to the United States. Alexander W. Robertson (1829-1906), was a fifth-generation potter and he established the Chelsea Keramic Art Works in 1866. Alexander may have worked alongside his son Fred (1869-1952), as well as his other sons Hugh Robertson (1844-1908) George and James. Hugh was also involved with the Chelsea Pottery U.S. during the circa 1891-1895 period, and then the company's successor, the Dedham Pottery in Dedham, Massachusetts. But once the Chelsea Keramic Art Works closed its doors in 1889, Alexander and Fred relocated west in order to produce pottery in California, beginning in the 1890s.

Interestingly, I learned about this wonderful vase a few days ago that was made for the great-great grandmother of the current owner, who used to sell Hugh Robertson pies in New England in the late 1800s; in exchange one day, he presented her with this object, which still resides in New England, not all that far from Chelsea. The earthenware vase is decorated with two applied birds perched on branches, and possibly influenced by Japanese design.

A Wonderful Example of Pottery Made as a Gift by Hugh Robertson

A Wonderful Example of Pottery Made as a Gift by Hugh Robertson

Made by Hugh Robertson at the Chelsea Keramic Art Works in Chelsea, Mass.

Robertson Made it as a Present for the Woman he Purchased Pies From in the Late 1800s

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Photo Courtesy: Private Collection

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