Hobbies And Interests
History
The A.E. Hull Pottery Company was founded in 1905, one of more than 40 potteries around Crooksville that used clay soil to make basic stoneware for farm families. They became known as "bluebird" potteries because production began around the time when bluebirds returned from the south. According to the Hull Pottery Association, it is not known why the potteries began making more decorative pieces, but it may have been related to growing wealth in nearby cities. Hull ceased production in the 1980s.
Early Hull
Hull's initial lines included stoneware, dinnerware and decorative tiles. In the 1920s, the company began expanding its color palettes and began producing some art pottery.
1930s to 1950s
The 1930s to 1950s is the period Hull is best known for. The company produced many styles of pastel-colored vases and other decorative items that had a matte finish. In 1943, the company introduced the Little Red Riding Hood cookie jar, arguably its most iconic piece, that helped spur increased interest in figural pottery.
Post-1950
After recovering from a flood and fire that destroyed the factory in 1950, the company began introducing new lines of pottery, most of which had a high-gloss finish. Items produced during this time include piggy banks, a style of dinnerware called "Brown Drip," vases and planters.
Collectibility
Although many people enjoy Hull pottery, most of it is not particularly valuable. There is an abundance of fake or replica Hull pottery on the market, as well as a line labeled Hulls (with an "s") that is not linked to the A.E. Hull company. For those who enjoy the pottery, there are bargains to be had; many pieces for sale at online auction and retail sites are as little as $10 to $25. Rare, large or particularly intricate pieces can sell for a little more, reaching as much as several hundred dollars.
Researching Hull
There are websites with limited information about specific Hull pieces and their values, but books and professional appraisers are more reliable ways to confirm that a piece you own or are considering buying is authentic. Two well-regarded books are "Warman's Hull Pottery: Identification and Values Guide" and "The Collector's Ultimate Encyclopedia of Hull Pottery: Identification and Values." The Hull Pottery Association maintains a library of reproduction Hull pieces at http://hullpotteryassn.org/repros.html.