Pewabic Pottery

Pewabic Pottery’s home in Detroit

Just about everyone in Detroit knows about Pewabic Pottery. It has a very distinctive look to it and, because it’s from Detroit and has been around for over 100 years, it’s everywhere. A nearby elementary school has beautiful, large tiles over each classroom door. There are 2 fireplaces and even fishponds all done with Pewabic’s beautiful tiles. (Boy, those were the days when you could play with fish and then snuggle up by the fire during kindergarten. Now, the kids are lucky if they can go to the bathroom when they finish their pre-algebra!) But I digress.

Mary Chase Perry started Pewabic (a Native American word meaning “clay with copper color”) in 1903, at the height of the Arts and Crafts movement. Perry discovered an iridescent glaze, after years of experimenting. It was said to almost glow and was a departure from anything else being made at the time. She went on to win many prizes for her designs and glazes, and continued to work until her death in 1961.

The Pewabic look is found in vases, plates and especially tiles. The tiles are pricey, but I’ve seen them used beautifully intermixed with plain tiles.

The original Pewabic Pottery is still open and remains a going concern. They have a shop in front and upstairs. Pewabic also offers classes for children and adults. So please take some time if you’re in Detroit to stop by. And you can always order from them online.

• Posted by Jennifer at 6:44 pm
• Tagged: Accessories, Detroit