Grueby Faience Company
Oct 13, 2013 | by Becky Oeltjenbruns
The perfect centerpiece
Who doesn’t love a beautiful vase? Nothing seems to brighten our table more than a richly colorful ceramic piece – and we’re not alone. Lyndsie at Retro Rejuvenation is no stranger to vintage wares. She’s sharing one of her favorites with us today, so let’s learn a little something about this gorgeous, green lovely!
Lyndsie with Retro Rejuvenation in Coburg, Oregon has been collecting all manner of fun items ever since she was a young girl. In time that passion evolved in to her first storefront. At Retro Rejuvenation, shoppers will find a great range of vintage items served with a healthy dose of expert advice. She shares with us her infatuation with this Grueby piece:
Lyndsie with Retro Rejuvenation
“I loved the soft glaze and classic green that was popular in the Arts and Crafts time period. I had never seen a piece of pottery made in Boston so that’s what tipped me off to thinking it was old and unusual!”
Retro Rejuvenation
32697 Suite A East Pearl Street Coburg, OR 97408
541.912.6699
http://www.facebook.com/RetroRejuvenation
All about Grueby | Four Fun Facts
The Grueby Faience Company was established by William Henry Grueby in 1894 in Revere, Massachusetts. Grueby, inspired by the monumental World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, became drawn to simple and pure forms. The firm stayed true to the Arts and Crafts style throughout its history.
photo by Cullen328
The company quickly rose to prominence and won several awards. Sadly, the firm went bankrupt in 1909 and officially closed by 1920.While known for their signature matte green color, you may also find works in yellow, blue, brown, gray, or mauve tones.
George Prentiss Kendrick designed many of the Japanese-inspired shapes. Working mostly in natural shapes, you often find simple and gentle carvings on the surface. Even though ornamentation was limited, it is possible to find some pieces with hand-sculpted attachments. (Leaves or petals, for example).
photo by Postdlf
In addition to vases, Grueby is known for their sculpted tiles found in many subway and train stations nationwide. Our Astor Place Tile showcases their level of detail and craftsmanship perfectly.
The following Antiques Roadshow clips showcase two great examples of the firm’s work. Follow along to learn more about Grueby Faience Company vases and a stunning 1897 example.
Cause A Frockus would like to thank our tremendous resources: Lyndsie from Retro Rejuvenation, Wikipedia, http://www.justartpottery.com/, http://www.arts-crafts.com, Antiques Roadshow, and the wonderful people who put their images up on Wikipedia Commons without restriction.
Have a Grueby tale you’d like to share? Tell us all about it – include a picture if you’re feeling generous! If you’re a shop owner and want to be featured on our front page, contact us.
For our readers, please send us any mystery items you may have acquired and let our team of experts help identify your prize. We may even feature it on the home page as well. Just shoot us a line!