BEVERLY, Mass. – Published to coincide with Rookwood Pottery’s 140th anniversary, a beautiful new reference book titled Rookwood — The Rediscovery and Revival of an American Icon, by Bob Batchelor, will be available for purchase on September 15 (Rockport Publishers / US $45/Ca). The fully illustrated volume tells the story of a great American art pottery company that was founded and run by women.

Rookwood Pottery was probably the most famous company making art pottery in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, achieving an international reputation and consistently promoting artistic innovation. Proud that the pottery was “an artist’s studio, not a factory,” Rookwood pottery has always been known for its exceptionally fine glazes and successful experimental designs.

By assimilating the strengths of myriad aesthetic movements from the American art pottery movement to Art Nouveau and Art Deco, Rookwood Pottery encouraged decorators to try unusual subjects and explore new techniques. Pioneering artist Maria Longworth-Nichols established the Cincinnati studio in 1880, building the business and laying the foundation for what Rookwood is today: a world-renowned artisanal ceramics company operating in the heart of the Ohio River Valley.

From New York’s Grand Central Station to The Louvre in Paris, contemporary boutique hotels to historic homes, Rookwood has truly made its mark on the world in the past three centuries.

Rookwood is filled with behind-the-scenes artist and creator interviews, stories of Rookwood’s avid collectors, and never-before-seen images and documents from the company’s historic archives, you will see why Rookwood remains a pillar of true craftsmanship.

The 240-page hardcover book goes on sale September 15, 2020. ISBN: 9781631598630

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