Wednesday, August 5, 2026

The Bradford Family Pottery: Red Earthenware of Kingston, Massachusetts

One of the rarer pieces that I own is this pitcher made by the Bradford family in Kingston, Mass. 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.
See Article for More Information
Another View of the Pitcher
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Another View of the Pitcher
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Please Stay Tuned...Much More to Come...

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