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Vintage Ohio Pottery: What Makes Hull So Wonderful?

I was taking a typical stroll through our giant antique mall this week and something dawned on me. I seemed to be surrounded by such a HUGE variety of pottery everywhere! The pottery styles, shapes, and colors were all different and the pottery makers were different as well. BUT they all had one really neat thing in common… they were almost ALL made right here in OHIO! It’s so fascinating to me the number of ceramic makers that came right from my own backyard, like the Hull Pottery Company. They supplied the whole country back in its heyday, and today vintage Ohio pottery is more popular than ever!

How lucky am I to be a vintage LOVER of ceramics and happen to live in the very state where pottery was KING back in the day! Ohio clay was so plentiful that almost ALL of the big companies such as McCoy, Roseville, Weller and Shawnee made Ohio their home. And Hull was no exception.

the history of hull

Addis Emmet Hull founded The Hull Pottery Company and got its start in Crooksville, Ohio east of Cincinnati. They were one of the first companies on the scene and opened in 1905. They started out like a lot of pottery companies by manufacturing useful everyday housewares items such as bowls and canisters. Gradually their line went from utilitarian to more decorative and colorful, and they started producing pieces such as vases, planters, and functional figurines. By the 1980s production and popularity had slowed down and by 1986 the plant was closed.

Why so popular?

I think their early appeal came from the fact that they were useful quality pieces as well as lovely. I would say that the Hull style is very recognizable by their ombre sprayed glazes and their bright pastel colors. Back in the day, The Hull Pottery Company supplied floral shops all over the country with vases and planters. So today there seem to be more Hull pieces available on the market. Hull collectors love the detailed designs, Victorian shapes and floral reliefs, as well as the cheerful color palettes and affordability.

Go OHIO!

I continue to be in AWE over the sheer number of pottery companies that were headquartered in Ohio back in the day. They had many talented artisans and designers to produce and supply such wonderful ceramic pieces all over America! And although it is heartbreaking that they are no longer in operation… thank goodness we can still enjoy all their long-lasting creations for generations to come! Hull is a high-quality and beautiful example of vintage pottery. I really enjoy the cheer and decorativeness they add to my own decor. So, let’s applaud all the Ohio pottery companies of the past! Let’s cherish all their delightful ceramics! And as always, let’s get HOMEY!

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