Burley Winter Pottery History, Marks, Shapes and Glazes

Burley Winter Pottery, originally founded in 1872 in Crooksville, Ohio, began as a producer of utilitarian ceramics, mainly items for everyday household use. For decades, the company focused on durable stoneware, using simple salt glazes not intended for decorative purposes. However, in 1932, the company ventured into art pottery with the introduction of their "Blended Art" line, marking a significant shift in their production.

This new art line, designed by Stoin M. Stoin, was known for its unique two-tone, matte glazes. The base glaze was overlaid with a second color, creating a blended effect. The known color combinations included cream, rose, blue, green, purple, and gold, but only a limited number of combinations were used in production. The texture of these pieces was distinctive, with a rough, raised surface where the over-glaze was applied. Unlike other notable art pottery companies, such as Newcomb Pottery, no pieces from Burley Winter’s Blended Art line were artist-signed or hand-decorated.

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The company's art line, which included decorative vases, tall oil vases, bean-pots, strawberry pots, and cookie jars, became popular with collectors and decorators for its affordability and unique, ancient-style motifs. Collectors often seek specific vase shapes in multiple glaze combinations, although limited catalog records make tracking the production of different shapes challenging. The company produced a small range of art pottery, with only 25 shapes listed in the 1932 catalog. However, additional shapes, including those numbered 20-100, were introduced later, though few records remain to confirm production timelines.

Burley Winter’s art pottery production was short-lived, ending by 1943 as the company shifted focus toward industrial ceramics for the war effort. Despite its relatively brief run, the Blended Art line remains a favorite among collectors. The company itself continued until 1988 when it liquidated. Afterward, the Swingle family purchased and rebranded it as "The New Burley Winter Pottery." Today, Burley Clay Company, located in Roseville, Ohio, continues the region’s ceramic legacy, producing items such as birdbaths.

Although parts of Burley Winter's original factory at 50 China Street in Crooksville still stand, the site has undergone numerous expansions and changes over the years, making it nearly unrecognizable. Nonetheless, the legacy of Burley Winter Pottery lives on in the cherished collections of pottery enthusiasts.

Below is a selection of many of the common Burley Winter Pottery shapes.

Shape #1

Shape #2

Shape #4

Shape #9

Shape #41

Shape #43

Shape #45

Shape #50

Shape #53

Shape #54

Shape #71

Shape #74

Shape #109

Below are some examples of the typical Burley Winter glazes often found in auctions or antique stores.

Blue over Rose

Blue over Cream

Green over Gold

Green over Purple

Green over Rose

Green over Cream