Early American Pottery

At first, the pottery tended to be rustic, without glaze or decorations. Production was inhibited by laws enacted to protect the English pottery industry. By 1750, however, American potters were beginning to experiment with glazes.

The German colonists were noted for their redware, which got its name from local red clay and could be fired at relatively low temperatures. These potters also made roof tiles like those they remembered in Germany. Some used molds for large platters and pieces, but kick wheels were also common.

English potters favored enamelware, most commonly produced in blue and white. This became known as "delft." Salt was thrown into the kiln as another type of glaze, and this method commonly produced a blue and gray piece or sometimes one in cream. The kilns burned wood.

Potters produced all types of items: mugs, ewers, tankards, pitchers, basins, colanders, crocks, porringers, milk pans, bowls, plates, teapots, teacups, coffee pots, vases, candlesticks, drug tiles, drug pots and jars, fireplace tiles, paving tiles, roof tiles, decorative pieces, crucibles, etc. Potters became much needed members of the community.

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