Popularity of Hull pottery stems from high quality immense diversity

Linda Hamer Kennett

Established 1905, the A.E. Hull Company of Crooksville, Ohio would become one of the most successful and enduring pottery manufacturers of the 20th century.

The popularity of Hull pottery stems from the high quality immense diversity of their products. Originally established for the production of stoneware, they soon opened a second factory and expanded their lines to include air-brushed and blended glaze planters and art pottery, as well as a line of white semi-porcelain bathroom and kitchen items.

The devastating stock market crash of the 1930s dealt a blow to the pottery companies of the Midwest. In an effort to survive Hull turned its production efforts to the manufacturing of tiles. This wise business move saved the company from closing their doors as many of their competitors were forced to do.

The late ‘30s saw an increased interest in the field of art pottery and in answer to the demand Hull stepped up with the introduction of several new lines. The matte finish floral vases, ewers, bowls and jardinières from this era are highly sought by today’s collectors. While not as popular at the time of their release, their high gloss lines, Rosella, Rose, Tulip and Magnolia have grown in popularity as a collectible over the past ten years.

With the onset of the 1940s came a demand for cookie jars and once again Hull rose to meet public demand. Character jars from this time period continue to see good return at auction. The most popular among these is the Hull “Little Red Riding Hood” cookie jar which they first produced and patented in 1943. While it sold for under $20 originally, it is currently being offered at online shops for $545!

They followed the success of Red Riding Hood with several figural lines of kitchen ware and novelty items. The salt and pepper shakers, pitchers, napkin holders and string holders from these lines remained in constant demand well into the 1950s. Also popular with collectors are pieces from their Floristware line. From 1940 through 1960 more florists used these pieces for their planters and bouquets than any other pottery container available.

In the mid-’50s the factory was destroyed when a flood caused a devastating fire. Flood waters pouring into the factory resulted in an explosion of the kilns and nothing could be saved. Although Hull rebuilt, they soon realized that their new equipment could not duplicate the matte finish for which they had become famous. New high-gloss art ware lines, including Parchment and Pine and Ebb Tide were developed, but sales slumped in the absence of the matte finish pieces.

In the early 1960s they began production on a new line of dinnerware for commercial use, which was moderately successful. Sales dropped again with the onset of the ‘70s, and in an attempt to keep up with the times, Hull drastically decreased production of their artistic lines, replacing them with "House ‘N’ Garden" dinnerware and planters. But, try as they may, they could not regain their pre-fire glory days. Amidst union disputes and pressure from foreign import the plant permanently closed in March of 1986.

Hull pottery is most often marked with the company name incised or embossed on the bottom. Art pottery patterns to watch for include Dogwood, Camellia, and Mardi Gras. Novelty items, such as the 6.5 inch figures and piggy banks are holding in popularity, and a Hull Cookie Jar, in mint condition, is always a great find, especially the “Little Red Riding Hood.”

Until next time – Linda



(Linda Hamer Kennett is an associate member of the International Society of Appraisers specializing in downsizing for seniors and the liquidation of estates and may be reached at 317-356-8967.)

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