Rookwood Pottery was an internationally renowned Arts and Crafts era pottery located in Cincinnati, Ohio. Established in 1880 by Maria Longworth Nichols (later Storer), the pottery remained in existence until 1967 (although Ms. Nichols sold it in 1890). The pottery was known for vessels, figurines, plaques and tiles, for museum quality art pottery as well as moderate commercial ware. The pottery won many national and international prizes through the first decade of the 20th century.

Maria Longworth Nichols came to establish the pottery by way of china painting. Arts and Crafts philosophers believed that beautiful things in the home would increase virtue. One of the few acceptable ways women could participate was by china painting. Ms. Nichols was not alone in moving from china painting to producing art pottery, Detroit’s own Mary Chase Perry Stratton traveled the same route.

In Michigan antique shops, I have usually only seen Rookwood commercial ware produced during the 1930's and 1940's. Only in books have I seen examples of the exquisite vessels for which the pottery was renowned. So, where is a good place to find these artifacts? Cincinnati, where it all began.

The Cincinnati Art Museum has an outstanding collection of Rookwood pottery and tiles in the Cincinnati Wing. Here's where you can see all those wonderful pieces you usually only see pictures of. Located in three rooms, the collection features articles from several different eras of the pottery, the products of several artists, including Maria Longworth Nichols Storer herself. Of particular interest were the two very large vessels displayed side by side, the result of rivalry between Ms. Nichols and Mary Louise McLaughlin of the Cincinnati Pottery Club. One room houses tile installations of a fountain and a fireplace, which were originally installed in the showroom at the pottery. When the pottery closed, the fountain was sold and installed in a bowling alley! When the bowling alley closed, an antique dealer bought the fountain and sold it to the Museum.

After spending a few hours in the museum, head for lunch at the Rookwood, the restaurant that now exists in the old Rookwood factory building. Erected in 1890 on Mt. Adams, it looks more like an English Arts and Crafts manor than a factory. Inside, the kilns have been converted into cozy dining areas or lounges. The restaurant is decorated with Rookwood pottery, of course. The furniture is appropriately in the Arts and Crafts style, some with the Rookwood logo (original?). The food is good and reasonably priced, but just being inside the historic pottery is thrilling. Kudos to the owners for the adaptive reuse of this property. Outside, the views of the Cincinnati skyline are marvelous.

Finally, several local antique stores often have some very fine pieces of Rookwood for sale. Check out the Duck Creek Antique Mall for some pleasurable treasure hunting.

In one day in Cincinnati, I saw more high quality Rookwood than I have ever seen at antiques malls and markets throughout Michigan. Even if the some of the prices are high (too high for my budget), I enjoyed seeing these pieces and verifying that such beauty does still exist. If you love Rookwood, Cincinnati is definitely a place to visit.

Note: In Detroit, the lobby of the Guardian Building boasts a flamboyant mosaic by Rookwood. It’s open to the public, so check it out if you get the chance.



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