Glidden Pottery: Mid-Century American Art Pottery
Glidden Pottery was a distinguished American ceramics studio founded by Glidden Parker in 1940 in Alfred, New York, producing innovative stoneware until 1957. Known for its sophisticated glazes, modern forms, and functional artistry, Glidden bridged the gap between studio pottery and commercial production. The pottery attracted top designers including Fong Chow and Sergio Dello Strologo, whose work for the company earned multiple Museum of Modern Art Good Design Awards in the early 1950s.
History & Background
- 1940: Glidden Parker establishes the pottery in Alfred, New York, near the Alfred University ceramics program
- 1940s: Early production focused on handmade stoneware with distinctive glazes
- 1949-1955: Peak period; Fong Chow joins as designer, creating the celebrated Matrix and Feather patterns
- 1950-1953: Multiple MoMA Good Design Awards for Glidden products
- 1952: Sergio Dello Strologo contributes designs with Mediterranean influences
- 1957: Production ceases; Parker continues working as an independent studio potter
Identification & Marks
- Standard mark: Incised or stamped "GLIDDEN" in block letters on the base
- Pattern numbers: Three-digit numbers identify specific forms (e.g., #161 casserole, #412 plate)
- Designer marks: Some pieces carry additional designer initials or marks
- Glaze names: Collectors identify pieces by glaze names such as Turquoise Matrix, Sage Green, Cobalt, Yellowstone, and Viridian
- Clay body: Dense, well-fired stoneware with a characteristic gray body
Notable Patterns & Designers
| Designer | Pattern/Line | Period | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fong Chow | Feather | 1950s | Sgraffito feather motif, various glazes |
| Fong Chow | Matrix | 1950s | Textured crosshatch surface pattern |
| Fong Chow | Pear | 1950s | Stylized pear sgraffito decoration |
| Sergio Dello Strologo | Alfred Stoneware | 1952+ | Mediterranean-influenced forms |
| Glidden Parker | Early Stoneware | 1940s | Hand-thrown functional pieces |
Auction Price Ranges
| Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard dinner plate | $10 | $30 | $75 |
| Casserole with lid | $20 | $60 | $150 |
| Sgraffito decorated vase | $40 | $125 | $350 |
| Fong Chow Feather serving piece | $30 | $100 | $250 |
| Large centerpiece bowl | $50 | $150 | $400 |
| Unusual form or rare glaze | $75 | $200 | $500+ |
Condition Factors
- Glaze crazing: Common on Glidden pieces; light crazing is generally acceptable but heavy staining in craze lines reduces value
- Chips: Rim and base chips are the most common damage; even minor chips reduce value on decorative pieces
- Staining: Interior staining on functional pieces (casseroles, bowls) is expected from use but diminishes appeal
- Repairs: Glued repairs are easily detected and substantially reduce value
- Sgraffito clarity: Sharpness and completeness of sgraffito decoration directly affects desirability
Collecting Tips
- Fong Chow-designed pieces are the most sought after and command the highest prices
- Unusual glazes (cobalt, persimmon, charcoal) are scarcer than standard turquoise and sage
- Complete place settings are rare and worth significantly more than the sum of individual pieces
- Glidden Pottery has a dedicated collector base but remains relatively affordable compared to other mid-century studio potteries
- Look for pieces with original retail stickers from department stores, which add provenance interest
- The Alfred, New York connection makes Glidden part of the broader story of American studio ceramics education