From North Carolina to Maine: The Journey of a 1930s Smithfield Art Pottery Vase

I had a fun time in Maine a few days! The reason I was up there was because I have a great, great story that will be a part of my forthcoming new book! I cannot wait to share it!  

While up there, I randomly came across a filthy, circa-1930s earthenware vase from the Smithfield Art Pottery in Johnston County, North Carolina. While I do not know its exact provenance, it must have an interesting history of ownership in Maine. It may even be one of the pieces originally sold through a high-end department store in New York City.

There is also a directly related piece owned by the North Carolina Pottery Center --

Link: https://ncpotterycenter.omeka.net/items/show/2066

For a brief history: The Smithfield Art Pottery, originally founded as Hillside Pottery in 1927 along the Neuse River in Smithfield, Johnston County, North Carolina, was a highly successful commercial operation that helped transition the state's ceramic tradition from utilitarian crocks to decorative artware. The business was built on a unique partnership between Herman C. Cole (1887-1967), a master turner from a legendary North Carolina pottery family, and Anna M. Graham (1885-1960), an artist and entrepreneur from New York who designed the sophisticated shapes that Cole brought to life on the wheel. Strategically located on a major highway to capture the business of northern tourists driving down to Florida, the shop was rebranded as the Smithfield Art Pottery around 1931 to emphasize its focus on fine artware over basic jug factory items. To meet skyrocketing demand, Cole hired some of the region's most celebrated master turners—including Jonah Owen (1895-1966), Charlie Craven (1909-1991), Charlie Teague (1901-1938), and Bill Gordy (1910-1993)—and expanded the facility with massive bottle kilns to produce thousands of pieces weekly. Graham leveraged her connections to secure major retail accounts with high-end northern department stores like Macy's in New York City, allowing the business to thrive through the Great Depression with its vibrant glazes and affordable artistry. 

Circa 1930s Earthenware Vase from the Smithfield Art Pottery in North Carolina

Just Found in Maine

Likely Retains a History of Family Ownership in Maine

The Vase was Filthy

Stands 11 3/8" Tall

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This is How the Vase Appears Cleaned Up

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A View of the Base

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