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The largest and one
of the strongest elements of the Bidwell House Museum’s collection of
decorative arts is its selection of 18th and 19th century ceramics.
Collecting redware, stoneware and porcelain for over a twenty year
period, Messrs. Hargis and Brush assembled a group of objects that offer
an exceptional survey of the potter’s craft. Choosing from this
far-reaching array of objects, the Museum recently exhibited eight
pieces of American redware at the Sheffield Historical Society’s Old
Stone Store. A variety of vessel types were included in the exhibition,
chosen as representative of the overall breadth of the Hargis/Brush
collection.
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Redware to
Kitchenware, which opened April 3rd and ran through May 9th, offered an
overview of the types of household objects that would have been found in
an early American kitchen. This collaborative effort, which also
included artifacts from the Colonel Ashley House and the Sheffield His-torical
Society, provided a view of how utilitarian objects possess a vitality
of design and decorative appeal that goes well beyond simple function.
If the craft of colonial American potters was, “dictated by the needs of
the pioneer environment, out of this traditional handcraft, beauty was
created as a by-product of necessity.” (Watkins, Early New England
Potters and their Wares, Archon Books, 1968) |
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Executive Director Brian O'Grady
& Director Heather Oakes
with the exhibit |
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Red
earthenware tray, a type found on Cape Cod, but possibly made on Long
Island in the late 18th century. Rectangular shape, 14 x 8 x 3 inches.
Orange-red ground with slip decoration. Purchased by Jack Hargis in June
1975 |
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The beauty is clearly evident in the range of glazing techniques and
decorative designs seen in the objects included in this exhibition. The
variety of forms, markings, and glaze colors, each of which con-tribute
to the unique quality of the object, also illustrates an important facet
of American pottery. Each of these elements is indicative of the
regional styles that developed from the colonial period through the
onset of the industrial age. |
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Earthenware pot, English, 1750-1770. Ovoid form with
loop handle, 5 inches high. Decoration done with yellow and brown slip,
creating a marble-like pattern. American potters may have used this
decorative approach in making light-colored wares. Purchased by Jack
Hargis in 1964
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The Colonel John
Ashley House is owned by The Trustees of Reservations and contains items
that Sheffield’s wealthiest family, the Ashleys, would have been likely
to use on an everyday basis. The Sheffield Historical Society’s redware
collection is smaller in scale and represents the range of goods that
men such as Dan Raymond would have enjoyed. |
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Red earthenware bowl, Connecticut, 19th century.
Yellow glaze with brown rings inside, 10 inches in diameter. Mr. Hargis
noted in the object record that “this type of bowl was rare.” Purchased
by Jack Hargis in September 1965. |
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Set against these pieces is the history of today’s Sheffield Pottery, an
internationally renowned company that produces modern wares for our
everyday use, but whose history is also a family history. Support
for this exhibition was given by Sheffield Pottery, which also displayed
items relating to the history of the company. |
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Red earthenware
jar with lid. Cylindrical shape, 8 inches high, 4 inches in diameter. The
term “jar” did not appear in any early potter’s list and more likely was
referred to as a’“pot.” The straight sides and collar, along with flat
knob of the lid, suggest an earlier style. Green glaze was somewhat
uncommon, as it required calcining copper or brass filings, which were
then added to the glaze. Because this was a more difficult and costly
process it was reserved mostly for decoration. Purchased by Jack Hargis in
1963.p |
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Messrs. Hargis and
Brush began collecting redware at a time when many fine quality objects
were available, and at affordable prices. Interest in American
decorative arts has grown exponentially since they began their
collecting activities, and the Bidwell House Museum’s collection as
viewed in its entirety, represents an extraordinary survey of the
earthenware objects created by potters of the Northeast in the 18th and
19th century. We encourage all our members to visit the Museum this
summer and see first hand this remarkable collection of an important
American folk art.
Article first published in the Bidwell House Museum
Spring 2004 Newsletter |
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