Paul Revere Pottery: History, Marks, and Identification Guide
Overview
Paul Revere Pottery stands apart from most American art pottery firms. Founded in 1906, it was not created as a commercial enterprise alone, but as a social and educational initiative designed to provide meaningful work and artistic training for young immigrant women in Boston.
Operating until 1942, the pottery produced a wide range of decorative and functional wares, blending Arts & Crafts ideals with social reform efforts—making it one of the most historically significant American potteries of its time.
Origins and Mission
The pottery began through the efforts of:
- Edith Guerrier, a Boston librarian
- Edith Brown, her collaborator
Their goal was to provide young women—many from immigrant families—with:
- Job training
- Artistic education
- A structured and supportive environment
The project grew out of the Saturday Evening Girls Club, which met at the Boston Public Library.
Inspired by European pottery traditions, Guerrier and Brown introduced ceramics as both a creative outlet and a viable trade.
Early Development
By 1907, the program had expanded significantly:
- Italian and Jewish immigrant girls were trained in pottery-making
- Work initially took place in private homes and temporary locations
- A kiln was installed and professional guidance was brought in
In 1908, operations moved to 18 Hull Street in Boston’s North End, near the Old North Church—linking the pottery symbolically to Paul Revere himself.
The name “Paul Revere Pottery” was adopted after this move.
The Library Club House
The pottery operated out of the Library Club House, a settlement-style community center funded by Boston philanthropists.
The goal was to:
- Provide employment and purpose
- Keep young women engaged in productive work
- Offer cultural and educational enrichment
Activities at the house included:
- Music and dance programs
- Lectures and classes
- Social and artistic development
The pottery became both a workplace and a community hub.
Growth and Popularity
By the early 1910s:
- The pottery had become highly successful
- Over 200 young women participated over time
- Around 15–20 workers were active at any given time
The wares gained popularity for their:
- Distinctive decoration
- Accessible pricing
- Ethical production model
In 1915, a new, purpose-built facility was constructed in Brighton, Massachusetts, reflecting the pottery’s growth.
Working Environment
Unlike many industrial settings of the time, working conditions at Paul Revere Pottery were notably progressive:
- Clean, well-lit workspaces
- Shorter workdays
- Paid vacation time
- Opportunities for advancement
- Designers
- Potters
- Kiln operators
Less experienced workers learned directly from more skilled artisans, creating an apprenticeship-style environment.
Artistic Direction
Edith Brown served as the primary designer and creative force behind the pottery.
Her philosophy included:
- Fair wages built into product pricing
- High-quality, hand-crafted production
- Designs that reflected both beauty and everyday use
Pottery Styles and Decoration
Paul Revere Pottery is known for its distinctive decorative approach, often featuring:
Common Motifs
- Animals (ducks, rabbits, birds)
- Nursery rhyme scenes
- Trees, flowers, and landscapes
- Boston landmarks and historical imagery
Design Techniques
- Incised outlines in the clay
- Hand-painted decoration within carved designs
- Strong linear compositions
Glazes
- Matte and glossy finishes
- Popular colors include:
- Yellow
- Green
- Blue
- Brown
- Cream
- Gunmetal tones
Many pieces feature black-outlined decoration filled with soft, muted color fields, a hallmark of the pottery.
Forms and Product Lines
The pottery produced a wide variety of forms, including:
Functional Wares
- Bowls and plates
- Cups and saucers
- Pitchers and serving pieces
Children’s Sets
One of their most popular categories:
- Bread-and-milk sets
- Dishes decorated with animals or storybook themes
- Personalized pieces with names or birth dates
Decorative Objects
- Vases
- Tiles
- Lamps and desk accessories
- Paperweights and inkwells
Tiles
Tiles were especially important and featured:
- Boston architectural scenes
- Historical imagery
- Fireplace and mantel installations
Unique Production Features
- Most pieces were hand-thrown, though some molded items were produced
- Designs were often customized or made to order
- Replacement pieces could be ordered to match existing sets
Additional Production
During World War I, the pottery briefly produced:
- Bisque doll heads, intended for export
However, due to wartime disruptions, these were never fully assembled or widely distributed.
Marks and Identification
Marks and Identification
Common Marks
- “S.E.G.” (Saturday Evening Girls) – usually incised
- “P.R.P.” (Paul Revere Pottery) – incised
- Paper labels:
- “Bowl Shop, S.E.G., 18 Hull St., Boston”
- Round stamp featuring a historical figure (Paul Revere reference)
Additional Identifiers
- Artist initials (indicating the decorator)
- Incised numbers or codes
- Occasional handwritten markings
Because many pieces were individually decorated, artist initials can add collector interest.
Decline and Closure
After years of success:
- Edith Brown died in 1932
- The pottery continued for another decade
- It ultimately closed in 1942
Mrs. Storrow, a key financial supporter, passed away in 1944, marking the end of an era for the project.
Collectibility and Market Appeal
Paul Revere Pottery is highly collectible for both its artistic and historical significance.
What Collectors Value
- Strong, well-preserved decoration
- Clearly marked examples (especially SEG and PRP)
- Pieces with artist initials
- Early Hull Street period items
- Unique or custom designs
Special Appeal
Collectors are often drawn to:
- The pottery’s social mission
- Its connection to Boston history
- Its distinctive Arts & Crafts aesthetic
Final Thoughts
Paul Revere Pottery represents a unique intersection of art, social reform, and craftsmanship. More than just decorative objects, these pieces tell the story of opportunity, education, and artistic expression for a generation of young women in early 20th-century America.