Cambridge Pottery: Ohio Art Pottery
Cambridge Art Pottery operated in Cambridge, Ohio from 1901 to approximately 1933, producing art pottery alongside the better-known Cambridge Glass Company in the same city. The pottery is noted for its Terrhea line of brown-glazed ware similar to Rookwood's Standard Glaze and its Oakwood line featuring stylized floral designs. Cambridge Art Pottery is a minor but interesting collecting field within the broader Ohio Valley art pottery tradition.
History and Production
- 1901: Cambridge Art Pottery Company established in Cambridge, Ohio
- 1901-1910: Early production includes Terrhea art pottery line with brown-glazed underglaze decoration
- 1904: Company reorganizes as Guernsey Earthenware Company
- 1910s-1920s: Production shifts increasingly to utilitarian and commercial ware
- c. 1933: Pottery ceases operation
Product Lines and Styles
- Terrhea: Art pottery with dark brown to mahogany underglaze decoration, similar to Rookwood Standard and Weller Louwelsa; features hand-painted floral, fruit, and portrait subjects
- Oakwood: Matte-glazed ware with stylized floral and geometric designs in Arts & Crafts style
- Acorn: Specialty line featuring acorn and oak leaf motifs
- Utilitarian ware: Stoneware crocks, jugs, and other functional items produced after the art pottery shift
Identifying Cambridge Art Pottery
- Marks: "CAMBRIDGE" impressed; "CAP" monogram; "GUERNSEY" on later pieces
- Terrhea mark: Some Terrhea pieces carry the line name impressed or incised
- Decorator marks: Some hand-painted pieces carry artist initials or cipher marks
- Body: Dense, heavy earthenware body typical of Ohio Valley production
- Confusion potential: Not to be confused with Cambridge Glass Company products or English Cambridge pottery
Auction Prices and Market Values
| Category | Typical Range | Exceptional Pieces |
|---|---|---|
| Terrhea vases (small) | $50-$200 | $500+ for portrait work |
| Terrhea vases (large) | $100-$400 | $800+ for exceptional art |
| Oakwood pieces | $40-$150 | $350+ for rare forms |
| Acorn line | $30-$100 | $250+ |
| Utilitarian stoneware | $20-$75 | $150+ for marked pieces |
Condition Factors
- Glaze condition: Terrhea pieces should retain their rich brown glaze without crazing or flaking
- Decoration quality: Hand-painted work should be crisp and well-executed; superior artistry commands premium prices
- Chips and cracks: Damage substantially reduces value
- Mark clarity: Clear, readable marks are essential for attribution given the potential for confusion with other makers
Collecting Tips
- Cambridge Art Pottery is frequently confused with Cambridge Glass; they were separate companies in the same Ohio city
- Terrhea ware offers an affordable alternative to similar lines from Rookwood and Weller
- Pieces with clearly marked backstamps command significant premiums over unmarked examples
- The pottery's limited production period means fewer pieces survive, adding scarcity value
- Ohio Valley pottery shows and regional antique malls are the best sources for finding Cambridge Art Pottery