In 1872, Samuel A. Weller established Weller Pottery in Fultonham, Ohio, with a modest cabin and a single kiln. Weller's expansion to Zanesville, Ohio in 1882 signaled the onset of decorative ware production. Inspired by the Lonhuda Pottery from Steubenville, Ohio on display at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair, Weller collaborated with Lonhuda's William Long to create the Louwelsa faience line and likewise absorbed Lonhuda into Weller altogether. Following Long's departure in 1896, the line was renamed after Weller's daughter, Louise.
Many notable pottery artisans graced Weller over the years. From 1895 to 1904, Charles Babcock Upjohn contributed to popular Weller lines like Dickensware I, Dickensware II, Eocean, and Corleone. Jacques Sicard and Henri Gellie undertook the challenging development of the Sicardo line, with its distinctive metallic glaze, between 1902 and 1907. Frederick Hurten Rhead briefly joined Weller in 1904 before moving to Roseville Pottery. That same year, participating in the 1904 St. Louis Exposition, Weller expanded its repertoire further. Initially known for crafting utilitarian items, such as flower pots and bowls, Weller evolved into the largest pottery in the United States by 1905. Rudolph Lorber introduced lines like Dechiwo in 1908, which was followed by Brighton birds, Muskota, Woodcraft, Forest, and Coppertone, which features whimsical frogs and fish. Dorothy England Laughead also contributed Silvertone, Chase, and Garden Animals.
In 1922, Weller Pottery underwent incorporation as "S.A. Weller, Inc." Following Samuel A. Weller's passing in 1925, his nephew Harry Weller assumed leadership. Faced with financial challenges during The Great Depression, the company consolidated plants in 1931. Weller Pottery continued with simplified embossed lines from 1935 until its closure in 1948, managed by Walter Hughes and under the control of Essex Wire Corporation.
In retrospect, the Weller legacy encompasses innovative art pottery production as well as controversy regarding its founder's reputation for acquiring designs. Weller Pottery's history reveals collaborations with prominent figures, occasionally tumultuous relationships, and a transition toward making commercial wares. Nonetheless, collectors of American Arts & Crafts art pottery continue to appreciate various Weller lines and inspired examples often command high prices at auction or via private sale.
Auction Results Weller Pottery
