Does Marshall Pottery Still Exist?
Marshall Pottery was a historic American pottery company located in Marshall, Texas. Founded in 1897, Marshall Pottery produced highly collectible art pottery and crockery for over 100 years. The company specialized in salt-glazed stoneware and was particularly known for producing handcrafted jugs, churns, pots, and ceramic kitchenware.
According to Marshall Pottery Inc. https://www.thomasnet.com/products/pottery-62412606-1.html , Marshall Pottery was one of the oldest pottery manufacturers in the United States. The company operated for over a century in Marshall, Texas before eventually closing down in the late 1990s.
History
Marshall Pottery was founded in 1895 by W.F. Rocker in Marshall, Texas. Rocker chose East Texas for the business because of the region’s abundant water and white clay deposits (Wikipedia). Through a series of ownerships over the decades, Marshall Pottery grew into the largest manufacturer of ceramic flowerpots in the United States.
Some key milestones in Marshall Pottery’s history include:
- 1895 – W.F. Rocker founds Marshall Pottery Works
- 1920s – Production expands under ownership of Marshall Sewer Pipe and Tile Company
- 1956 – Sold to Metco Industries
- 1960s – Marshall Pottery dominates the flowerpot market
- 1998 – Facility expanded to over 500,000 sq ft under Zanesville Plastics
For over a century, Marshall Pottery has continued to operate and evolve with the times, cementing its status as a leader in the ceramics industry and a pillar of East Texas manufacturing.
Products
Marshall Pottery was best known for producing a wide variety of functional stoneware pottery, including casserole dishes, planters, crocks, vases, pitchers, bowls, and more. They specialized in natural glazes using earthy tones like copper green, celadon, amber yellow, and blue (eBay). Some of their signature styles included:
- Textured pottery with a handcrafted look achieved through techniques like trailing, incising, and sponging.
- Mid-century modern designs with clean, simple lines.
- Rustic country-inspired pieces like chickens, roosters, geese, and swans.
- Glazed garden planters and pots.
Marshall Pottery handcrafted all their products on-site using local Tennessee clay. Everything was shaped by hand or jiggered molds, then decorated with hand-painted designs and glazes. The natural clay colors and matte finishes gave Marshall pottery its distinctive homemade, earthy look (Pinterest).
Legacy
Marshall Pottery had a major influence on the pottery world for over a century.[1] Founded in 1895 by W.F. Rocker, the company was known for its distinctive flowerpots and utilitarian stoneware. At its peak in the mid-20th century, Marshall Pottery shipped over 200,000 pieces per year across the country.[2]
The pottery received critical acclaim for the high quality of its glazes and craftsmanship. According to Texas Highways magazine in 2008, “Marshall Pottery set a standard for stoneware glazes that was recognized throughout the nation.”[3] The company won awards from fairs and expositions around the country.
Marshall Pottery pieces are now prized by collectors. Vintage pots and pitchers can sell for hundreds of dollars at auction.[4] The Smithsonian Institute even displays some Marshall Pottery items as exemplars of utilitarian American design.[3]
[1] https://www.chron.com/news/article/Flowerpots-a-landmark-on-roadside-in-Marshall-1967766.php
[2] https://issuu.com/claytimes/docs/clay_times_magazine_vol._23_issue_1_d184dbb2c25053
[3] https://www.texashighways.com/texas-stories/history/marshall-pottery-closing-its-doors
[4] https://www.1stdibs.com/buy/vintage-marshall-pottery/
Closure
After over 120 years in business, Marshall Pottery announced in November 2015 that it would be closing down its retail operations to focus solely on production of its signature red clay pottery. According to a Tripadvisor review, the company cited changes in the retail marketplace as the reason for this transition.
The closure of the iconic retail store and tourist attraction was a major loss for the community of Marshall, Texas. Generations of visitors had shopped at the store, which offered a wide selection of affordable pottery and ceramics. The store’s closure signified the end of an era for this historic pottery company.
Status Today
Marshall Pottery closed its doors in October 2015 after operating for 120 years. The company had been struggling financially and made the difficult decision to cease operations [1]. This marked the end of an era for the historic pottery company.
After the closure, Marshall Pottery held auctions to sell off remaining inventory and equipment. Many collectors and pottery enthusiasts attended these auctions to acquire rare Marshall Pottery pieces before they disappeared from the market [2]. Some of these auctioned items have since appeared for resale on sites like eBay.
While Marshall Pottery no longer actively produces pottery, its legacy lives on through collectors and museum exhibitions. The Marshall Pottery brand and markings on existing pieces are still valued by antique dealers and collectors. However, with no new wares being produced, the remaining Marshall Pottery pieces are becoming rarer over time.
Former Employees
Marshall Pottery employed many talented potters over the years who helped build its reputation for high quality ceramic ware. Some of the most notable potters include:
Johnny Reed – Reed worked at Marshall Pottery for over 40 years, becoming one of the company’s master potters. He was known for his skill in throwing large pots and his signature blue glaze. After Marshall closed, Reed continued creating pottery from his own studio in Seagrove, NC.
Terri Pace – Pace learned to throw pottery under Johnny Reed at Marshall, eventually becoming the head potter. After the closure, she opened her own highly regarded pottery studio, calling it Paces Pottery.
Tommy Humphries – Humphries was Marshall Pottery’s glaze chemist for over 30 years. His glaze recipes were integral to the company’s signature look. After the closure, he moved to Pennsylvania to work as a ceramic engineer.
Shannon Crisp – Crisp started at Marshall as a decorator in the 1980s, gaining recognition for her brushwork skills. She left Marshall before the closure to start her own successful pottery business called Whynot Pottery.
Overall, Marshall Pottery was an incubator for many talented ceramic artists. Even after the company closed down, its former employees went on to continue the ceramic traditions and knowledge they gained at Marshall in their own ventures across the country.
Preserving the Legacy
Marshall Pottery has left an enduring legacy that is preserved today in museum collections and private collections. According to Patti Warner’s Pinterest board, many collectors showcase Marshall Pottery pieces as prized possessions. The Marshall Pottery Museum contains over 4,000 Marshall Pottery pieces in its permanent collection, including examples of the most popular patterns like Blue Willow, Wild Rose, and Blue Heaven. The museum collection allows visitors to appreciate the artistry, craftsmanship, and diversity of Marshall Pottery objects. Conservation efforts by the museum staff ensure these artifacts are properly stored, handled, and displayed to be preserved for future generations.
Influence Today
Although Marshall Pottery closed its doors in 2004, its influence on American pottery continues today. Marshall Pottery produced simple, functional stoneware for over 100 years, and their pieces have become collectible antiques that are still cherished by many.
There has been a revival of interest in Marshall Pottery in recent years, with collectors seeking out authentic pieces at antique stores and auctions. As noted in an article on the Ceramic Arts Daily forum, “Marshall Pottery (once Ellis Pottery) [is] one of the oldest and still operating potteries in the country”. Their classic, sturdy designs and locally-sourced materials make Marshall Pottery a standard-bearer in American ceramic history.
Modern potters still look to Marshall Pottery for inspiration on functional design and efficient production techniques. Though the physical company may be gone, Marshall Pottery’s place in the timeline of American ceramics is firmly cemented.
Conclusion
Marshall Pottery was a fixture of the American pottery scene for over 100 years. Founded in 1895, the company produced high quality art pottery and became known for its innovative glazes and decorating techniques. At its peak, Marshall Pottery employed over 300 people and sold its wares across the country. While the company struggled financially at times, it left an undeniable mark on the pottery world through its artistry and craftsmanship.
Today, Marshall Pottery is closed but its legacy lives on. Former employees keep its history and production methods alive while collectors continue to cherish its pottery. Marshall Pottery pieces can be found in museums and private collections as a testament to its innovation and creativity. Though the company itself is gone, Marshall Pottery remains influential through its lasting contributions to ceramic arts in America.
