Edwin Bennett (potter)
Encyclopedia
Edwin Bennett born in Newhall
, Derbyshire
, was an English American
pioneer of the pottery industry and art in the United States
, and founder of the Edwin Bennett Pottery Company of Baltimore
, Maryland
. Producing a variety of wares from the everyday to the fine and artistic, his company, founded in the 1850s, continued in operation until forced to close during the Great Depression
in 1936. Examples of Edwin Bennett pottery may be found in museums across the United States, including the Smithsonian
(National Museum of American History
), and Maryland Historical Society
, as well as in private collections.
Arriving in 1841, he became a citizen of the United States in 1848. Among the original styles Edwin Bennett's company is known for are the "Brubensul" and "Albion" wares. He was among the English introducers of Majolica
to the United States, and also produced notable Rockingham
-style ware, including the famous "Rebekah at the Well
" teapot, modeled by Charles Coxon following Bennett's inspiration. It became the best and longest selling Rockingham ware pattern in history. Bennett was also responsible for the design of the popular infuser-style "McCormick
teapot".
Edwin Bennett was a younger brother of James Bennett, who established the pottery industry in East Liverpool, Ohio
. The Bennett brothers were long friendly with Andrew Carnegie
and his family, who had lived in Ohio. Edwin once entertained Carnegie's mother Margaret, on her way to visit her son in Virginia during the Civil War
, in his home on East Baltimore Street.
Newhall, Derbyshire
Newhall is a town located in South Derbyshire, England. The village of Stanton is nearby and in the same parish.-Newhall village:The village lies between the A444 to its south and the A511 to its north. To its east is the market town of Ashby-de-la-Zouch, very close to the M42 linking Nottingham ...
, Derbyshire
Derbyshire
Derbyshire is a county in the East Midlands of England. A substantial portion of the Peak District National Park lies within Derbyshire. The northern part of Derbyshire overlaps with the Pennines, a famous chain of hills and mountains. The county contains within its boundary of approx...
, was an English American
English American
English Americans are citizens or residents of the United States whose ancestry originates wholly or partly in England....
pioneer of the pottery industry and art in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, and founder of the Edwin Bennett Pottery Company of Baltimore
Baltimore
Baltimore is the largest independent city in the United States and the largest city and cultural center of the US state of Maryland. The city is located in central Maryland along the tidal portion of the Patapsco River, an arm of the Chesapeake Bay. Baltimore is sometimes referred to as Baltimore...
, Maryland
Maryland
Maryland is a U.S. state located in the Mid Atlantic region of the United States, bordering Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia to its south and west; Pennsylvania to its north; and Delaware to its east...
. Producing a variety of wares from the everyday to the fine and artistic, his company, founded in the 1850s, continued in operation until forced to close during the Great Depression
Great Depression
The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic depression in the decade preceding World War II. The timing of the Great Depression varied across nations, but in most countries it started in about 1929 and lasted until the late 1930s or early 1940s...
in 1936. Examples of Edwin Bennett pottery may be found in museums across the United States, including the Smithsonian
Smithsonian Institution
The Smithsonian Institution is an educational and research institute and associated museum complex, administered and funded by the government of the United States and by funds from its endowment, contributions, and profits from its retail operations, concessions, licensing activities, and magazines...
(National Museum of American History
National Museum of American History
The National Museum of American History: Kenneth E. Behring Center collects, preserves and displays the heritage of the United States in the areas of social, political, cultural, scientific and military history. Among the items on display are the original Star-Spangled Banner and Archie Bunker's...
), and Maryland Historical Society
Maryland Historical Society
The Maryland Historical Society , founded in 1844, is the oldest cultural institution in the U.S. state of Maryland. The society "collects, preserves, and interprets objects and materials reflecting Maryland's diverse heritage." MdHS has a museum, library, holds educational programs, and publishes...
, as well as in private collections.
Arriving in 1841, he became a citizen of the United States in 1848. Among the original styles Edwin Bennett's company is known for are the "Brubensul" and "Albion" wares. He was among the English introducers of Majolica
Victorian majolica
Victorian Majolica is earthenware pottery made in 19th century Britain, Europe and the USA with molded surfaces and colorful clear lead glazes.-History:...
to the United States, and also produced notable Rockingham
Rockingham Pottery
The Rockingham Pottery was a 19th century manufacturer of porcelain of international repute, supplying fine wares and ornamental pieces to royalty and the aristocracy in Britain and overseas, as well as manufacturing porcelain and earthenware items for ordinary use.It is best known for its finely...
-style ware, including the famous "Rebekah at the Well
Rebecca
Rebecca a biblical matriarch from the Book of Genesis and a common first name. In this book Rebecca was said to be a beautiful girl. As a name it is often shortened to Becky, Becki or Becca; see Rebecca ....
" teapot, modeled by Charles Coxon following Bennett's inspiration. It became the best and longest selling Rockingham ware pattern in history. Bennett was also responsible for the design of the popular infuser-style "McCormick
McCormick & Company
McCormick & Company manufactures spices, herbs, and flavorings for retail, commercial, and industrial markets. The company began in 1889 in Baltimore, Maryland, United States. One hundred years later, McCormick moved from downtown Baltimore to the suburb of Hunt Valley, Maryland. McCormick has...
teapot".
Edwin Bennett was a younger brother of James Bennett, who established the pottery industry in East Liverpool, Ohio
East Liverpool, Ohio
As of the census of 2000, there were 13,089 people, 5,261 households, and 3,424 families residing in the city. The population density was 3,010.3 people per square mile . There were 5,743 housing units at an average density of 1,320.8 per square mile...
. The Bennett brothers were long friendly with Andrew Carnegie
Andrew Carnegie
Andrew Carnegie was a Scottish-American industrialist, businessman, and entrepreneur who led the enormous expansion of the American steel industry in the late 19th century...
and his family, who had lived in Ohio. Edwin once entertained Carnegie's mother Margaret, on her way to visit her son in Virginia during the Civil War
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
, in his home on East Baltimore Street.
Further reading
- The Story of Baltimore Pottery by Lauren Brooks, Chesapeake Home, August 11, 2005. Photo Gallery
- Puzzling aspects of the most popular piece of American pottery ever made by J.G. Stradling, Magazine Antiques, Feb. 1997