To get everyone in the artistic frame of mind for our upcoming show, we will be featuring articles on how to to identify and make sense of all the pieces of art found out there. How many times have you found a piece of pottery or an old painting you really like, but don’t know too much about? (or how many times have you shouted out your guess while watching Antiques Roadshow?). Many of these pieces are valuable in the collector’s world and with a few tips, it can be easy to identify these pieces.
Many thanks to Bob Parker, Goodwill’s Special Events Coordinator and Antiques Appraiser, for contributing these pieces. Today we are featuring his article on…
American Art Pottery
Art Pottery originated in Europe and was first shown in this country at the 1876 Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia. “Art Pottery” is defined as earthenware, stoneware, or porcelain made with artistic decorative intent. Most Art Pottery is ornamental rather than utilitarian. For example, you are more apt to find a vase than a cup and saucer. The manufacture of Art Pottery came to a virtual standstill during the Great Depression and did not experience a rebirth for many years.
There are many manufacturers of Art Pottery. Following are some of the important names in the field:
Roseville, Van Briggle, Weller, McCoy, Grueby, Hull, Red Wing, Zanesville.
When evaluating pieces of American Art pottery, there are some conditions you should look for that can affect value:
Crazing: Fine crackling of the glaze that occurs when the pottery and the glaze cool at different times.
Firing lines: These occur during the firing of the pot and not after it is finished.
Kiln Flaw: These are also known as “kiln kisses” and occur when two pieces touch each other in the firing.
Hairline crack: This is a crack that goes into or through the body and can be felt by a fingernail.
These conditions do not necessarily reduce the value of the piece, because they occurred during the manufacture. The more damaging chips and cracks occur after the piece has been purchased. These damages seriously reduce the value.
Do you have paintings or other pieces of art found at Goodwill? Take a picture and pass it along to us! We will feature it here on our blog.
