Learn About Handcrafted Pottery on the Free Rookwood Pottery Factory Tour

Have you ever wondered how pottery is made?

Every Wednesday at 10:30 am you can tour the Rockwood Pottery factory in the Over the Rhine neighborhood of Cincinnati to find out.

Rookwood Pottery started around 1880 and has been under several different owners over the years but has gained respect for their level of craftsmanship internationally. Rookwood is the first female-owned manufacturing company in the U.S. that was founded in 1880 by Maria Longworth Nichols.

Rookwood’s architectural are showcased at several landmarks in the city. You can see tiles at the Omni Netherlands, the tea room at Union Terminal and the arcade in Carew Tower.

The outside of the building showcases a beautiful mural.

The tour lasts about 45 minutes and takes you through the process of pottery making.

You are not allowed to take pictures during your tour but you do get learn about the pottery making process which is really fascinating.

My tour even got to observe a few artists in action as they painted a piece of pottery.

There are an average of 16 people who touch each piece of pottery during the process before it’s out the door.

During the tour you will also learn about the glaze chemistry that makes it so that the glaze colors don’t appear until the temperature hits.

The tour ends in the shop where you can purchase your own piece of handcrafted pottery.

This screen printing technique was used on this vase and also on a fireplace display.

On the bottom of each piece you find the marks of its authenticity.

The showroom has many incredible displays using the pottery.

This tour will give you an even greater appreciation for the skill and incredible detail that is involved in each handcrafted piece of pottery.

The Rookwood Pottery Factory is located at 1920 Race St, Cincinnati, OH 45202.

 

You can find out more about Rookwood Pottery from their website.