Haeger Pottery

Founded in 1871, Haeger Pottery remains the oldest American art pottery company.  Still in business after almost 135 years, there is a rich history associated with this Illinois pottery company.  What began as an effort to supply the millions of bricks Chicago was in desperate need of following the great fire of 1871 soon became a massive art pottery company.

The Haeger Pottery website notates "Adam and Eve" as the initial design from the first collection of art pottery.  The Haeger glaze line was perfected on this collection, too.  Before long, the milk bottle kiln was introduced and a major chapter in American art was written.  Immediately following this kiln, the company devoted its attention to creating relatively simple clay flower pots that were being used in florists across the country.  While they served their purposes, the company wished to take a more artistic route.  It was during this time Martin Stangl left Fulper Pottery and came to work for the Haeger family as they continued the transition into a more sophisticated and definitive art pottery company.  Once the artistic aspects were addressed and other artists had been hired, Stangl then left Haeger Pottery and returned to his former employer, Fulper Pottery. 

Finally, in 1934, construction began on what would become the nation's largest ceramic factory.  It soon became a major tourist attraction and it is estimated five million people would tour the new factory over the next several years. 

Some of the artists who would play a role in this line of American pottery included:

• Norma Pierce
• Wilhelmina Post
• Gertrude Priest
• Ellen R. Farrington
• Florence S. Liley
• Lillian Newman
• Anna V Lingley
• Ruth Erickson
• Gertrude Stanwood; and
• Kiiche Yamada

In the mid-1930s, Royal Hickman came on board and along with Haeger, developed the "Royal Haeger" line.  It's especially remarkable due to the gracious designs and glossy glaze lines.  While every piece was extremely popular, it was the black panthers that were in big demand.  A rich inky black along with a  glossy finish is what defines the Haeger black panthers, which were made in three sizes. 

Still in the family, Haeger Pottery continues the tradition that began as the result of a single fire that wiped out an entire city.

Donna McGill – Just Art Pottery