The Bradford Family Pitcher: Red Earthenware of Kingston, Massachusetts

A friend picked up this remarkable pitcher today at the New Hampshire Antiques Dealers Association Show in Manchester, New Hampshire. It was in the booth of Jeff and Holly Noordsy of Vermont, and made at the Bradford Pottery in Kingston, Massachusetts. It is one of the best pitchers that I have seen from this business! The attribution is based on archaeological evidence owned by the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C.  

The pottery operation in Kingston started around 1750 under John Bradford (1732-1811) and continued through several generations of the family well into the nineteenth century. Alongside John Bradford and his son Stephen Bradford (1771-1837), other family members and local apprentices were involved in running the kiln and working the clay pits to sustain the family’s brick-making and red earthenware business. There was also a spinoff family business on Cape Cod. 

For more information - see my fifth book, A Celebrated Industry: The Historic Wares of Southeastern Massachusetts, Bristol County and Cape Cod - https://historicbeverly.net/product/a-celebrated-industry-the-historic-wares-of-southeastern-massachusetts-bristol-county-and-cape-cod/. 

Early 19th Century Red Earthenware Pitcher with Coggled Decoration Below Rim

Attributed to the Bradford Pottery of Kingston, Mass.

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Photo Courtesy: Gerard Paquin

Another View of the Pitcher

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Photo Courtesy: Gerard Paquin

Another View of the Pitcher

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Photo Courtesy: Gerard Paquin

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