Rookwood Pottery Company

Rookwood Pottery was one of the most notable pottery producers in Ohio at the turn of the century. Known for their remarkably diverse designs, Rookwood pottery pieces are some of the most popular among collectors today.

Established in 1880, Rookwood Pottery was the creation of Maria Longworth Nichols Storer, who was inspired to pursue new approaches to pottery following her visit to Philadelphia's Centennial Exhibition in 1876. Borrowing the name of her father's country house, Storer christened her new facility Rookwood and turned to production of art pottery by late that same year.

Rookwood's team of designers innovated in their shapes and glazes, which consistently won over American consumers. From subtle earthen hues to bolder designs inspired by the Japonism trend, Rookwood ceramics experienced ongoing success through the early decades of the 20th century. Now collector's items, Rookwood pottery pieces are a treasured component of any ceramic collection.

Quick Facts

• Rookwood Pottery Company was a featured exhibitor at the Parisian Exposition Universelle in 1889
• Rookwood also produced an array of decorative ceramic tiles that were used in significant structures, including Chicago's Monroe Building, which restored all of its Rookwood Pottery tiles in 2012
• So celebrated is the heritage of Rookwood pottery in Ohio that the Cincinnati Art Museum has an entire gallery of Rookwood works on permanent display