Roseville and Rookwood: Different approaches to the Same Goals

Roseville Wincraft ca. 1948

Roseville Pottery and Rookwood Pottery are both well-known American art pottery companies that operated during the Arts and Crafts movement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While they share some similarities in terms of their historical context and the quality of their craftsmanship, there are also notable differences between the two.

Similarities:

Artistic Focus: Both Roseville and Rookwood were renowned for producing high-quality, handcrafted art pottery that was created as decorative pieces rather than utilitarian items.

Arts and Crafts Movement: Both companies operated during the Arts and Crafts movement, a period characterized by a focus on handcrafted goods, artistic expression, and a rejection of mass-produced items.

Influence on American Pottery: Both Roseville and Rookwood played significant roles in shaping the trajectory of American art pottery, contributing to the development of unique styles and techniques.

Differences:

Location and Founding Dates:

Roseville Pottery: Founded in 1890 in Roseville, Ohio. It became one of the largest and most successful American pottery companies. Rookwood Pottery: Founded in 1880 in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is considered one of the earliest American art pottery manufacturers. Design Styles:

Roseville Pottery: Known for its diverse range of designs, including floral patterns, landscapes, and more. The company went through different design phases, including the highly collectible "Roseville Futura" line featuring Art Deco influences. Rookwood Pottery: Recognized for its emphasis on intricate hand-painted designs, often inspired by nature. Rookwood is particularly known for its expert use of glazes, resulting in a distinct range of colors and textures. Glaze Techniques:

Roseville Pottery: While Roseville also utilized various glazing techniques, it is not as famous for its glazes as Rookwood is. Rookwood Pottery: Renowned for its innovative and highly prized glaze effects. Rookwood artists developed and refined many glaze formulas, resulting in distinctive and sometimes experimental glaze finishes. Artists and Signatures:

Roseville Pottery: While Roseville employed talented artists, individual artist signatures are not as commonly associated with Roseville pieces as they are with Rookwood. Rookwood Pottery: Many Rookwood pieces are signed by the individual artists who worked on them, making it easier to attribute specific designs to particular creators. Collectibility:

Roseville Pottery: Certain lines of Roseville pottery, especially those from the Art Deco period, are highly sought after by collectors. However, Roseville pieces, in general, tend to have a broader range of prices due to the extensive variety of designs. Rookwood Pottery: Rookwood pottery is often considered more valuable and prestigious in the collector's market due to its historical significance, artistic quality, and the association with prominent artists. In summary, both Roseville Pottery and Rookwood Pottery made significant contributions to the American art pottery movement. While they share a commitment to craftsmanship and artistic expression, their distinct design styles, glazing techniques, and historical significance make them stand out as separate and unique entities within the world of art pottery.