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History of Dedham Pottery

“The Best American Pottery”

Dedham Pottery® was the great achievement of internationally acclaimed master arts and crafts potter Hugh Cornwall Robertson. Hugh was a fourth-generation ceramicist who emigrated from Scotland in 1853 with his parents and siblings.

Robertson’s early artistic successes were at his family’s pottery, the Chelsea Keramic Art Works (1868-1889). After his father died and his brothers departed for other potteries by the mid-1880s, Hugh began working alone. His genius with pottery glazes soon led to his ox-blood red and volcanic glazed vases garnering international awards. His next great achievement was becoming the first non-Asian potter to perfect an intentional crackled glaze.

The Dedham Pottery rabbit design became the company’s most popular pattern (and eventually its trademark), but over the years, more than seventy-five designs emerged. Designs that were produced in limited quantities are now the cherished and high-priced treasures of today.

Regarded with great esteem, the American art pottery was carried by Tiffany & Co. in New York and other high-end retail shops from Philadelphia to San Francisco. In its September 1897 issue, House Beautiful magazine declared Dedham Pottery “The best American pottery.” Since Nathan Dole’s article was written, the creations of the Dedham Pottery have remained prized antique treasures for both museums and collectors.

Hugh Cornwall Robertson (1845-1908) Master Potter
His pottery won the prestigious Grand Prize at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis, Missouri

In 1896, during America’s Arts & Crafts movement, Robertson moved his pottery to Dedham, Massachusetts, and his hand-decorated line of art ceramics was an instant success. 

Dedham Pottery Building 1896-1943
Located on Pottery Lane in Dedham, Mass. Operated by three generations of the Robertson family. The building was ultimately destroyed by fire in the 1970s.

Hand-crafted and individually decorated by talented artists managed by three generations of the Robertson family, Dedham Pottery is appreciated for both the great beauty of its Asian-inspired, crackle glaze and its whimsical cobalt blue border designs.

Maude R. Davenport – Pottery decorator 1904-1928
She signed her work by hiding a small “O” within the border.  Rarely “MRD” can be found on the reverse side of a plate.

The casual simplicity of Dedham Pottery’s coloring and design makes it the perfect ceramic complement to both period and contemporary décor.

®Dedham Pottery is a registered trademark of the Dedham Museum & Archive.
Please visit their website at dedhammuseum.org for more information.