Hadley Pottery facts for kids
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| Industry | Pottery and stoneware |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1939 |
| Founder | Mary Alice Hadley |
| Headquarters | Louisville, Kentucky |
Hadley Pottery is a cool American company that makes beautiful pottery and stoneware. It was started by Mary Alice Hadley and her husband George E. Hadley in 1945. You can find their workshop on Story Avenue in the Butchertown neighborhood of Louisville, Kentucky.
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How Hadley Pottery Began
The story of Hadley Pottery began in 1939. Mary Alice Hadley made special dishes for her and her husband George's boat on the Ohio River. She designed them with fun nautical flags. When her friends saw these unique dishes, they wanted some too! So, Mary Alice made more at the Louisville Pottery Co.
Because so many people loved her designs, the Hadleys bought a building in Louisville in October 1944. It was a birthday gift for Mrs. Hadley! She painted amazing murals on the walls of the new building. Hadley Pottery officially opened for business in 1945. Mary Alice created many different designs, often inspired by things from Louisville, like the fleur-de-lis.
What Happened After Mary Alice Hadley?
Mary Alice Hadley passed away in 1965. But nine talented painters kept her artistic spirit alive. They continued to hand-paint pieces, and each one was still signed "M.A. Hadley."
In 1979, Kenneth Moore bought Hadley Pottery. Later, in 2018, Jerry Day became the owner. He even found over 6,000 old pieces that were made when Mary Alice Hadley was still alive! In 2022, the company announced it might close, but thankfully, they later decided to stay open.
Awards and Recognition
Hadley Pottery has been recognized for its amazing work. In 1947, their pottery was shown by the American Craftsmen's Educational Council. It was also displayed at the Ceramic National Exhibit in New York.
In 1952, Mary Alice Hadley won an award from the Museum of Modern Art. Her winning design was called "Brown Dot" or "Hot Brown Fleck." This special design was shown in big cities like New York and Chicago!
Where to See Hadley Pottery
You can find examples of Hadley Pottery in these collections:
- Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Terre Haute, Indiana
- Speed Art Museum, Louisville, Kentucky
Images for kids
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Mary Alice Hadley Ceramics at the Speed Art Museum
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Mary Alice Hadley Ceramics at the Speed Art Museum
See Also
