Why Is Bennington Pottery Closed?

Bennington pottery has a long and storied history as one of America’s most iconic pottery brands. Founded in Bennington, Vermont in the mid-19th century, Bennington pottery became known for its innovative glazes and artistic designs that captured the aesthetic of early America. For over a century, Bennington produced stoneware, ironstone, and earthenware pieces that were both decorative and functional. At its peak, Bennington pottery could be found in millions of American homes. However, changing tastes and overseas competition eventually led to the company’s closure in the 2000s, ending over 150 years of production. Though no longer in business, Bennington pottery remains beloved by collectors and design enthusiasts who appreciate its handcrafted quality and historic New England style. This article will explore the key eras and milestones in Bennington pottery’s rise and eventual decline.

Founding and Early Success

The Bennington Pottery company was founded in Bennington, Vermont in 1924 by John P. Norton and David Gil. They started out making traditional blue and gray stoneware pottery using local clay (https://www.benningtonpotters.com/our_history). The company was originally called the Norton Pottery, named after John Norton.

In the 1930s, Gil began experimenting with brighter glazes and innovative shapes, shifting away from traditional stoneware. He introduced new glaze colors like dusty blue, celadon green, and his signature orange. The pottery became known for its hand-thrown pieces with beautiful glazes.

In the 1940s, the company officially changed its name to Bennington Potters after the town where it was located. Gil purchased Norton’s share of the company in 1945 and became the sole owner. Under his leadership, Bennington Potters saw great success and growth over the next few decades (https://www.benningtonpotters.com/about-bennington-potters).

Iconic Designs

Bennington Potters became famous for its iconic stoneware designs like the blue cornflower pattern. The company’s most iconic design is the Trigger Mug which was created by renowned industrial designer David Gil in the 1950s. According to the company’s website, the Trigger Mug “embodies practical elegance” and has been a classic for over 70 years.

Other notable Bennington designs over the decades included nature-inspired patterns like Windflower, Golden Wheat, and Autumn Leaves. Bennington Potters also produced tableware in solid glaze colors without patterns. Their distinctive designs and quality craftsmanship made Bennington a household name when American housewives stocked their kitchens with stylish, durable Bennington stoneware.

Changing Times

During the 1950s and 1960s, Bennington Potters faced increasing competition from cheap imports coming in from overseas. Places like Japan were able to produce ceramics and pottery at a much lower cost than Bennington could. This influx of inexpensive foreign goods cut into Bennington’s market share and profits. As Robert Goodard, president of Bennington Potters in the 1950s, noted: “We found our selves unable to compete in the market of cheap imports. Something had to be done” (Bennington Potters). Bennington struggled to adapt to a marketplace that was rapidly globalizing.

Attempts to Modernize

Around the 1970s, Bennington Potters began experimenting with new glazes and designs in an attempt to align with popular trends of the time. According to Sheela Harden ’69 Leads Bennington Potters, the company started producing bright colors and psychedelic patterns to appeal to changing consumer tastes. However, moving away from their classic mid-century modern style ended up being detrimental. Long-time customers viewed the updated products as inferior and lacking the high quality craftsmanship Bennington was known for. The company struggled to retain its core customer base while also attracting new buyers. This attempt to reinvent their image ultimately backfired.

Financial Troubles

In the 1990s, Bennington Pottery began losing money as interest in handmade pottery declined. According to an article in The Washington Post, the company was “on the brink of financial disaster” in order to uphold its educational values and handmade production [1]. As a result, production slowed as the company struggled to remain solvent.

Closure

After more than 150 years of pottery production, Bennington Potters closed its doors in 2005. The company had struggled financially for years leading up to the closure. Increased overseas competition put pressure on domestic pottery companies like Bennington in the late 20th century. Despite multiple attempts to revitalize the brand and reconnect with consumers, Bennington was ultimately unable to remain viable. The company filed for bankruptcy in the early 2000s after years of declining sales. By 2005, the difficult decision was made to permanently cease operations at the historic pottery works. After more than a century of iconic ceramic designs, Bennington’s story came to an end. The closure marked a somber day for the community that had come to identify so strongly with the Bennington name.

Legacy

Despite its closure in 2003, Bennington Potters left an indelible mark on the history of American dinnerware. Founded in 1948 by ceramicist David Gil, Bennington Potters pioneered innovative glazing techniques like Blue Agate and produced iconic designs that became staples on American tables for decades (About Bennington Potters & David Gil | Come See It Made). Pieces like the famous Casserole Dish and Slab Mug embodied mid-century modern style and made Bennington a trusted household name. Even with changing tastes and foreign competition, Bennington dinnerware remained popular into the late 20th century (Our History). Today, Bennington pottery is sought after by collectors and those looking to recreate vintage tablescapes. The company’s rich legacy and continued relevance is a testament to its high quality designs and craftsmanship. Though the original factory is closed, Bennington’s iconic style continues to inspire new generations of artistry and dining culture.

Efforts to Reopen

There have been some recent efforts to reopen Bennington Potters in a new location after the company closed its doors in 2020. According to a Facebook post on the Bennington Potters page, the company had planned to host its annual Midnight Madness sale in July 2021 but had to cancel due to the stores remaining closed.

Some fans on Reddit have speculated about potential attempts to resurrect operations and reopen in a new location in Vermont after the abrupt pandemic closure. However, no official announcements have been made by the company regarding reopening in a new spot.

While Bennington Potters has not shared any specific plans, the passionate fanbase is hopeful the iconic Vermont pottery company will find a way to return in the future under new ownership or management. For now, the wait continues for any definitive news of efforts to resurrect production and reopen stores.

Conclusion

Bennington pottery holds an important place in the history of American ceramic art. Founded in Vermont in the 1920s, Bennington pottery became known for its innovative hand-thrown stoneware designs that were both beautiful and functional. The company’s distinctive matte glazes and earthy designs helped define mid-century modern style and were embraced by consumers and tastemakers of the era.

At its peak, Bennington pottery could be found in department stores and high-end boutiques across the country. The company was renowned for its artistry and craftsmanship, demonstrating that mass-produced pottery could still reflect simplicity, utility and quality. However, Bennington struggled to adapt and compete as tastes changed in the 1960s and 70s. After a series of ownership changes and failed revivals, Bennington pottery ceased operations in the 1980s.

While the company closed decades ago, Bennington pottery remains highly collectible today. With its clean, minimalist aesthetic, Bennington pottery still looks modern and fresh. The closed kilns stand as a monument to Bennington’s legacy of innovation and its contributions to American ceramic history. Many still hope Bennington pottery might someday be revived and reborn. For now, the designs and ingenuity of Bennington continue to be appreciated by collectors and design enthusiasts.