Durant Kilns: Art Pottery from Bedford Village, New York
Durant Kilns was a small but distinguished American art pottery studio that operated in Bedford Village, New York, from 1910 to 1930. Founded by Mrs. Clarence Rice, the pottery produced refined decorative wares under the artistic direction of Leon Volkmar, a noted ceramist who had previously worked at the Charles Volkmar studio and at various American art potteries. Durant Kilns is known for its sophisticated glazes -- particularly rich Persian blue, Egyptian blue, volcanic glazes, and lustrous metallic finishes -- applied to elegant, often Asian-inspired vessel forms.
History and Key Figures
- Mrs. Clarence Rice: Founded Durant Kilns as a creative venture on her Bedford Village estate
- Leon Volkmar (1879-1959): Principal ceramist and artistic director; son of Charles Volkmar, trained in France
- Production period: Approximately 1910-1930; some sources cite 1910-1918 for the primary period
- Studio approach: Small-scale, art-focused production; each piece individually crafted
- Closure: The pottery ceased operations around 1930; output was always limited
Identification and Marks
- Incised mark: "DURANT KILNS" often incised on the base
- Volkmar mark: Some pieces bear Leon Volkmar's incised signature or initials "LV"
- Shape numbers: Incised numbers sometimes appear on bases
- Paper labels: Original paper labels may survive on some pieces
- Glaze identification: The distinctive glazes themselves help identify Durant pieces even when marks are worn
Types and Glazes
Durant Kilns was primarily a glaze-driven pottery. Key glazes include:
- Persian blue: A rich, deep turquoise-blue matte glaze; the most recognized Durant finish
- Egyptian blue: A brighter cobalt blue variant
- Volcanic glazes: Thick, flowing glazes with textured, crater-like surfaces
- Metallic lusters: Gold and copper luster finishes reflecting Volkmar's training in French ceramic techniques
- Celadon: Subtle green glazes inspired by Chinese Song dynasty pottery
- Sang de boeuf: Ox-blood red copper glaze, difficult to control and therefore rare
Forms are typically vases, bowls, plates, and occasional lamp bases in classical and Asian-inspired shapes.
Auction Price Ranges
| Item | Glaze Type | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Vase, Persian blue, 8" | Matte blue | $400 - $1,000 |
| Bowl, volcanic glaze, 10" | Textured | $500 - $1,200 |
| Vase, metallic luster, 6" | Luster | $300 - $800 |
| Plate, celadon glaze | Green | $200 - $500 |
| Lamp base, Persian blue | Matte blue | $600 - $1,500 |
| Vase, sang de boeuf, 10" | Red | $800 - $2,000 |
| Small bowl, Egyptian blue | Cobalt | $200 - $500 |
Condition Factors
- Glaze integrity: Glaze should be intact without flaking, crawling, or excessive crazing
- Chips: Base chips are less damaging to value than rim chips; any facial damage reduces value
- Drill holes: Pieces converted to lamps by drilling lose significant value
- Volcanic glazes: Natural irregularities are intentional and desirable; differentiate from damage
- Size: Larger pieces are rarer and command higher prices
- Provenance: Documented pieces from the Rice estate or early collections add value
Collecting Tips
Durant Kilns produced limited quantities over a short period, making all pieces relatively scarce. The pottery is most appreciated by collectors of American art pottery who value glaze quality and artistic refinement over decorative complexity. Persian blue and volcanic glaze pieces are the most sought-after. Durant Kilns fits comfortably alongside other notable American art potteries of the period, including Grueby, Hampshire, and Marblehead, and appears regularly at art pottery specialty auctions. Leon Volkmar's reputation as a skilled ceramist adds art-historical significance to the pieces. Because the pottery's output was small, comprehensive collections are nearly impossible to assemble, but individual specimens surface at auction and through specialized dealers.