Hampshire Pottery: Arts & Crafts Matte-Glaze Ceramics
Hampshire Pottery was an American art pottery operating in Keene, New Hampshire, from 1871 to 1923. Under the artistic direction of Cadmon Robertson (from 1904), Hampshire developed a range of exceptional matte glazes that placed it among the finest Arts and Crafts potteries in America. Hampshire's rich matte green glaze, in particular, is considered one of the best in American ceramics and is often compared favorably to Grueby. The pottery also produced notable glazes in blue, brown, and multicolor effects.
History & Key Dates
- 1871: James Scollay Taft founds the pottery in Keene, New Hampshire; produces redware and stoneware
- 1879: Begins producing majolica and decorated earthenware
- 1883: Introduces "Royal Worcester" style decorated ware
- 1904: Cadmon Robertson hired as chemist and designer; develops the signature matte glazes
- 1904-1914: Peak period of art pottery production under Robertson
- 1914: Cadmon Robertson dies; quality of art pottery declines
- 1916: Thomas Robertson (Cadmon's brother-in-law) continues operations on reduced scale
- 1923: Factory closes permanently
Identification & Marks
- Impressed mark: "HAMPSHIRE POTTERY" in a circle, sometimes with "J.S.T. & CO." or "KEENE N.H."
- "M" mark: An impressed "M" within a circle appears on many pieces
- Model numbers: Numeric codes identify form shapes
- No artist marks: Unlike some art potteries, Hampshire pieces do not typically carry individual artist marks
- Glaze identifies period: Majolica and decorated pieces predate 1904; matte glazed pieces are 1904-1923
Glazes & Colors
| Glaze | Description | Desirability |
|---|---|---|
| Matte green | Rich, deep cucumber green | Highest demand; signature glaze |
| Matte blue | Soft blue-gray matte | Very desirable |
| Matte brown | Earth-tone brown | Moderate demand |
| Mottled green/blue | Multi-tone matte blending | Very desirable |
| Feathered | Two-tone matte with feathered edges | High; visually striking |
| Peacock | Blue-green iridescent matte | Rare; extremely desirable |
| Early majolica | Victorian-era colored glazes | Moderate; different market |
Auction Price Ranges
| Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matte green vase, simple form | $150 | $500 | $1,500 |
| Matte green vase with relief decoration | $400 | $1,200 | $4,000 |
| Matte blue vase | $300 | $1,000 | $3,500 |
| Mottled or feathered glaze vase | $400 | $1,500 | $5,000 |
| Lamp base, matte green | $300 | $1,000 | $3,000 |
| Handled pitcher or ewer | $200 | $700 | $2,500 |
| Early majolica piece | $50 | $200 | $600 |
Condition Factors
- Glaze integrity: Chips are particularly visible on smooth matte surfaces; even small chips reduce value significantly
- Crazing: Not typical of Hampshire's stoneware body; presence suggests a problem
- Drill holes: Some pieces were converted to lamps; drilled bases reduce vase value unless in original lamp configuration
- Base grinding: Minimal grinding is normal; heavy grinding may conceal damage
- Color consistency: Even, well-developed matte color is essential; thin or streaky application indicates lesser quality
Collecting Tips
- Hampshire matte green rivals Grueby in quality but typically sells for a fraction of Grueby prices, making it excellent value
- Relief-decorated pieces with stylized leaves, buds, or geometric patterns command the strongest prices
- The pottery's relatively short art pottery period (1904-1923) means all matte-glazed pieces are scarce
- Unusual glazes (peacock, feathered, mottled) are particularly sought after and bring premiums
- Hampshire pairs well with other Arts and Crafts potteries (Grueby, Teco, Marblehead) in collections
- Reference: "Hampshire Pottery Manufactured by J.S. Taft & Company" by Barry Krause documents forms and marks
- Lamp bases are common forms; those retaining original hardware and shades are most valuable