Shearwater Pottery: Gulf Coast Art Pottery from Ocean Springs, Mississippi
Shearwater Pottery is a family-operated art pottery founded in 1928 by Peter Anderson in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, and still in production today. The pottery is celebrated for its distinctive figural sculpture, alkaline-glazed vessels, and hand-thrown forms inspired by Gulf Coast flora and fauna. Work by the three Anderson brothers, Peter, Walter Inglis, and James McConnell (Mac), represents some of the most important Southern art pottery ever produced, with Peter's rare figural pieces commanding exceptional prices at auction.
History & the Anderson Family
Peter Anderson (1901-1984) established Shearwater after studying at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and the New York School of Design. His brother Walter Inglis Anderson (1903-1965), a recognized American master of nature painting, created designs for Shearwater decoration and carved block prints used on pottery. Mac Anderson (1907-1991) handled business operations and also produced pottery. Peter's wife and later generations continued the pottery, which survived Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and remains active. Walter Anderson's watercolors and block prints, while not pottery, are closely associated with the Shearwater legacy.
Identification & Marks
- Mark: "Shearwater" hand-incised or stamped on base; early pieces sometimes marked with a stylized "S" or ship
- Body: Local Mississippi clay, often buff or gray
- Glazes: Distinctive alkaline glazes in blues, greens, and earth tones; some matte finishes
- Decoration: Hand-carved, applied, or painted designs featuring pelicans, fish, herons, shrimp, and coastal plants
- Walter Anderson designs: Block-printed or hand-painted motifs with his characteristic naturalistic style
Types & Forms
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Figural sculpture (Peter) | Birds, animals, human figures; hand-modeled, often one-of-a-kind |
| Thrown vessels | Vases, bowls, jars with carved or applied decoration |
| Walter Anderson decorated | Pieces with his painted or printed designs |
| Dinnerware | Plates, cups, bowls in standard glazes |
| Tiles | Decorative tiles with carved or printed designs |
| Contemporary production | Current pottery continuing family traditions |
Auction Price Ranges
| Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contemporary production piece | $30 | $100 | $300 |
| Vintage thrown vase (standard glaze) | $150 | $500 | $1,500 |
| Peter Anderson figural bird | $1,000 | $5,000 | $25,000 |
| Peter Anderson figural sculpture (large) | $5,000 | $15,000 | $50,000+ |
| Walter Anderson decorated vessel | $2,000 | $8,000 | $30,000 |
| Early experimental piece (1930s) | $500 | $2,000 | $8,000 |
| Carved vessel (vintage) | $300 | $1,200 | $4,000 |
Condition Factors
Shearwater pottery is generally robust, but figural sculptures are vulnerable to damage at extremities (beaks, tails, fins). Glaze condition is important; the distinctive alkaline glazes should show depth and character. Chips or repairs to Peter Anderson's figural work reduce value significantly given the rarity and artistic importance of these pieces. Hurricane Katrina damaged the pottery's archives and some inventory, making provenance documentation especially valuable for older pieces. Original Shearwater stickers, when present, add to authentication.
Collecting Tips
Peter Anderson's figural work is the pinnacle of Shearwater collecting and increasingly scarce on the market. His one-of-a-kind animal sculptures are recognized as masterworks of American folk and self-taught art. Walter Anderson-decorated pieces attract both pottery collectors and admirers of his broader artistic legacy. Vintage Shearwater is best sourced through Southern regional auction houses, particularly in Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana. Contemporary Shearwater production from the pottery's showroom offers an affordable connection to the tradition. The Walter Anderson Museum of Art in Ocean Springs provides essential context for understanding the family's artistic output. Pieces with exhibition history or published provenance bring premiums.