Examining Rookwood Pottery’s Legacy and its Influence on Cincinnati
--From the "Impact" issue of UP Magazine--
Rookwood Pottery, founded in 1880 by Maria Longworth Storer, is the first manufacturing company in the United States founded by a female.
1880. The Civil War had ended only 15 years prior. It was 40 years before women had the right to vote. And yet, on the banks of the Ohio River, Rookwood was established. This was unheard of: a woman founding and owning a manufacturing company in the United States in the 19th century.
Progressiveness is innate to Rookwood. Longworth Storer had come from a wealthy family, but she set out to make her own path, shattering the norms of her time. The impact her grit and enthusiasm had on the city, the manufacturing industry, and history itself is remarkable.
“Individuality shall be the goal,” said Longworth Storer, “and the potter’s wheel will be turned by woman power.” Tradition is part of Rookwood’s nature, and that tradition begins with historical impact.
Within a decade, the company was considered the top pottery studio in the United States. The constructs, styles, and decorations of its pieces were innovative and extraordinary. Longworth Storer was greatly interested in Japanese ceramic work, and many of the pieces embodied this style. Rookwood’s creations were not only intriguing but skillfully designed and crafted. Rookwood launched the art pottery movement in America, creating beautiful, high-quality pieces that live their legacy.
And that Rookwood legacy lives on as an emblem of significance, quality, and influence. In 1889, Rookwood Pottery was awarded a gold medal at the Paris Exposition—the same event where the Eiffel Tower debuted. An art critic from London praised Rookwood for achieving, “the highest triumph of ceramics.” Rookwood Pottery continued to win international awards, and museums added Rookwood pieces to their collections.
Rookwood’s impact extends beyond the world of pottery. Since its start, Rookwood Pottery has been an integral part of the Over-the-Rhine community in Cincinnati, Ohio. After decades in decline, Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood has seen a spur of revival.
Within the last few years, a multitude of restaurants, bars, shops, and businesses have opened in the area. Rookwood historian, George Hibben, said, “Rookwood as a company is always evolving and as a brand is going through a metamorphosis, much like the Over-the-Rhine revitalization. We are glad to be a part of the Over-the-Rhine art scene.” The neighborhood has been transformed into a vibrant historical hub—and Rookwood’s presence exists even in the foundation of the city.
From the Carew Tower to the Union Terminal Tea Room, an article from Forbes titled “Over-The-Rhine: Cincinnati's Historic Neighborhood Hums Again" highlights Rookwood pieces that can be found in Over-the-Rhine’s architecture: it’s admirable “how many prominent buildings feature Rookwood architectural decorations.” Varying widely in style, Rookwood pieces can be found in any context.
Rookwood has a careful focus on decorative interior pieces as well. Miami University Senior Lydia Jasper is an Art and Architecture History major focusing on Rookwood’s history as a part of her capstone. Jasper explained how Rookwood still operates by hand molding its pieces on a wheel (a technique called throwing); nothing is made by mass production. Much like Rookwood’s founding, each artist works on pieces that inspire them, and each has its own flair. “When I think of Rookwood pieces being in a home today, I think that they can become a conversation piece,” Jasper said.
In a world that pushes efficiency of the process, much of the originality of products can be lost. With pieces as seemingly simple as dishes, vases, and tiles, the time that was spent designing and creating them is forgotten.
Jasper emphasized that “In our fast-paced society, we often don’t take the time to slow down and appreciate the delicate parts that make up everyday housewares.”
“Tradition of quality and beauty is the primary central ingredient in Rookwood’s creative processes and current creations” Hibben said. “Each new creation is given the due reverence of striving to create ceramic art of the highest standards.”
Pottery has been around for centuries. The changes witnessed by this art form span elements of material, style, shape, decoration, and more. Hibben noted that “Evolution of design and keeping current with national and international artistic trends have always been a part of the company since 1880.”
But pottery is more than designing for practicality and decor. Since its founding, the staff believes that “Rookwood imparts a soulful merging of art within the home or professional space. Art pottery likewise infuses one’s personal space with beauty that brings a peaceful joy and satisfaction, a sense of elegance and endearing charm.”
140 years later, Rookwood continues its tradition of impact with one-of-a-kind designs. Maria Longworth Storer influenced creativity and innovation with her work and continues to be a symbol of passion and progressiveness today. Rookwood pieces are truly stunning; incredible details compliment poignant curves and absolute colors that impact the homes they fill, the buildings they construct, and the world of art.
If you’d like more information on Rookwood Pottery’s collection, be sure not to miss the exhibit “Desire, Conflict & Exchange: Art of 19th Century East Asia and the West,” on display at the Miami University Art Museum from now until the end of spring semester 2020. Per Miami’s College of Creative Arts website, “Under the guidance of Dr. Michael Hatch, Assistant Professor of Art & Architecture History, and Art Museum staff, students in the Fall 2019 Capstone class curated an exhibition that looks at the exchange of art and ideas between Asia and countries in the West.”
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