Clewell: Bronze and Copper-Clad Art Pottery
Clewell pottery refers to the distinctive metal-clad ceramic wares produced by Charles Walter Clewell (1876-1965) in Canton, Ohio, from approximately 1906 to 1955. Clewell's unique process involved coating pottery blanks -- typically purchased from Weller, Owens, or other Ohio potteries -- with thin sheets of copper, bronze, or silver, then chemically treating the surfaces to produce rich, natural-looking patinas in greens, blues, and browns. No two pieces are identical, and the combination of ceramic form with metallic surface creates an effect unlike any other American art pottery.
History and Production
- Clewell developed his proprietary metal-cladding technique around 1906 and never revealed the process
- He purchased bisque-fired pottery forms (blanks) from Weller, Owens, Roseville, and other manufacturers
- The copper or bronze sheeting was applied seamlessly to the ceramic body, then chemically patinated
- Clewell worked essentially as a one-man operation; production was always limited
- He retired in the mid-1950s and the technique died with him, as he refused to share his methods
Identification
- Marks: Incised or stamped "Clewell" on the base, often with a pattern number (e.g., "Clewell 456-6")
- Surface: The metal coating should be seamless with no visible seams or solder joints in quality examples
- Patina colors: Range from deep brown through verdigris green to bright blue-green; all are chemically induced, not painted
- Base pottery: The underlying ceramic form is sometimes identifiable by shape as Weller, Owens, or other makers
- Weight: Heavier than standard pottery due to the metal cladding but lighter than solid metal
Auction Price Ranges
| Form | Size/Description | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Large vase | 12+ inches, exceptional patina | $3,000 - $10,000 |
| Medium vase | 8-11 inches, good patina | $1,000 - $4,000 |
| Small vase | 5-7 inches | $400 - $1,500 |
| Mug or tankard | Copper-clad | $300 - $900 |
| Bowl | Copper or bronze-clad | $400 - $1,200 |
| Silver-clad piece | Any form (rare) | $2,000 - $8,000 |
| Riveted copper example | Early technique | $1,500 - $5,000 |
Condition Factors
- Patina quality is paramount; the best Clewell pieces display rich, multi-toned patinas that developed through his chemical process
- Dents or dings in the metal surface reduce value; unlike solid metal, the ceramic underneath cannot absorb impact
- Patina removal: Pieces that have been polished to bright metal lose much of their value; the patina is the art
- Separation: Metal pulling away from the ceramic body indicates moisture damage or structural failure
- Repairs: Re-patinated areas or filled dents are detectable under close examination and reduce value
Collecting Tips
- Patina is everything -- collectors prize pieces with the most vibrant, multi-layered patinas; blue-green verdigris over brown is especially desirable
- Larger pieces are disproportionately rare, as Clewell's process was more difficult to execute on bigger forms
- Silver-clad examples are the rarest and most sought-after of all Clewell production
- Early riveted pieces predate his seamless technique and represent an interesting variant that some collectors specifically seek
- Do not polish or clean Clewell pottery with metal cleaners; the patina is the intended finish
- The Zanesville Art Pottery Association has documented many Clewell forms, making their publications useful for identification