Saturday Evening Girls Paul Revere Pottery

The Saturday Evening Girls Club, or Paul Revere Pottery, originated in a Boston library with philanthropist Mrs. James Storrow at the helm. Girls from Italian and Jewish immigrant families were invited to make Arts and Crafts every day of the week, but it was on Saturday evenings that the older, teenage girls made pottery. It is said that classic literature was read out loud as they worked, to educate and inspire them. A kiln was purchased and, beginning in 1907, Edith Brown led the pottery production, design, and growth. Edith Brown upheld the pottery’s manufacture until her death in 1932, and the Saturday Evening Girls eventually closed in 1942.

Learn more about Saturday Evening Girls Paul Revere Pottery

Arts and Crafts ware from Saturday Evening Girls (SEG) vary from utilitarian purposes, such as lamps, tableware, and toilet sets, to the vases and wall hangings collected today. Each piece was hand decorated with soft, pretty colors in an “Easter egg” style. Using the cuerda seca technique, designs were traced with wax and manganese glaze and, when fired, the burned wax would create the black outlines. These designs were often on the border, and contained landscapes, farm animals, and occasional floral arrangements.

Pottery was often marked with “S.E.G.” and the date in a black signature while some pieces contained paper labels with “The Bowl Shop” before 1923. After 1923, markings included a “Paul Revere Pottery” circular stamp, and artists would add their initials on these later pieces. Known artists include Edith Brown, Rose Bacchini, Sara Galner, Fannie Levine, and Lili Shapiro.

Frequently Asked Questions

Saturday Evening Girls pottery is prized for its fusion of social history, handcrafted beauty, and Arts and Crafts ideals. Produced in Boston’s Paul Revere Pottery studio, each piece reflects the mission to uplift immigrant women through art. Collectors value its rarity, hand-painted folk scenes, and authentic SEG markings, making it a standout in American decorative pottery.

Authentic Saturday Evening Girls pottery typically features incised SEG or Paul Revere Pottery marks on the base. Look for clear hand-incised dates, initials, or painter monograms. Genuine pieces also reveal fine craftsmanship, matte glazes, unglazed foot rings, and subtle imperfections that reflect their handmade nature. Avoid overly uniform finishes, which can signal reproductions. Buy from trusted sources who understand the pottery’s legacy

Collectors seek SEG pottery with pastoral scenes, children, animals, or seasonal motifs, each hand-painted with charm and restraint. Handmade bowls, vases, and tiles are especially valued, particularly those in warm, earthy tones or with matte glaze finishes. Molded forms with strong visual symmetry and storytelling appeal tend to command higher interest and pricing.

Hand-painted decoration is central to the value and charm of Saturday Evening Girls/Paul Revere pottery. No two pieces are alike, as a studio artist painted each with distinctive brushwork. These whimsical, often narrative scenes elevate simple forms into a form of storytelling art. Their folk-art quality and sincerity are what give Saturday Evening Girls pottery lasting emotional and collectible appeal.

With its blend of artistry, purpose, and history, Saturday Evening Girls pottery makes a meaningful gift or heirloom. Its narrative and handcrafted charm transcend time, appealing to collectors and newcomers alike. Each piece carries a legacy of empowerment and creativity, making it as heartfelt to give as it is to receive.