Hull Pottery Identification
The Midwest was farm country, full of enterprising people who not only coaxed a living out of the soil but found creative ways to take care of other needs, such as that for inexpensive containers, bowls, dishes and other tableware. In the Ohio region, some farmers became pottery makers in the slower seasons of fall to spring. The area was blessed with an abundance of clay, enough to supply the nearly two dozen pottery companies that sprung up in the area. Hull Pottery was one of these companies. Does this Spark an idea?
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Early History
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E. Hull Pottery started production in 1905. Located in Crooksville, Ohio, the company began by making stoneware. The founder, Addis Emmet Hull, was quite successful. The business grew quickly and in just two years he had a second plant and more than 200 employees. By 1920, the product line included, in addition to the stoneware, planters, art pottery and kitchen and bathroom items made with a white semi-porcelain.
Addition of Art Pottery
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After surviving the 1929 stock market crash and the lean years after by switching its production focus mainly to tiles, Hull Pottery started to add art pottery back into its product line. Different types of matte finishes were added as well as collections of pastel and floral designs gracing planters, vases, ewers and bowls in a variety of sizes. A high gloss pattern called Rosella with a bright coral finish was offered for a time and the Magnolia pattern, already offered in matte, was available in a glossed glaze.
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Red Riding Hood Cookie Jar
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Introduced in 1943, the Red Riding Hood Cookie Jar became one of Hull Pottery's most popular pieces. In the coming years, the collection would include teapots, sugar bowls, creamers and salt and pepper shakers. The original cookie jar was two piece. A red cloak covered the girl's head and shoulders and she carried a basket under her right arm. The lower part of the jar was painted with a flower strewn dress and with feet on an oblong shaped base. The bottom was Hallmarked "Little Red Riding Hood Line/Pat. Des No 135889/USA." In some cases this was varied slightly.
Reproductions
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As is the case in many art forms, reproductions of original Hull Pottery can be found on the market, some very realistically done. One item that was commonly copied was the Bow Knot B-29 basket. Some of them were nicely done and looked authentic. The only thing that gave them away were the basket's measurements. The real basket has standard dimensions. It is 11 3/4 inches tall and 11 1/8 inches wide. Another sign that a piece is a reproduction is the color of the clay. Normal Hull fired clay is not as white as more modern varieties.
After the Fire
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In 1950, a flood caused the kilns to explode and the Hull Pottery plant was destroyed by the resulting fire. When the factory rebuilt, it was equipped with modern machinery that could not replicate the matte glaze with the quality that the company insisted on. Production switched to high gloss artware carrying names such as Pine, Parchment and Ebb Tide. During the late 1950s and through the 1960s, the firm added piggy banks, planters and dinnerware to the Hull Pottery Line. The firm closed in 1985.
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