Rookwood: The Rediscovery and Revival of an American Icon - An Illustrated History by Bob Batchelor (240 pages, hardcover, 10.5 x 11.63")

Published to coincide with Rookwood’s 140th anniversary, this beautiful, collectible, fully illustrated volume presents the rich story of this female-founded, female-owned great American art pottery company, an epic tale told by author and historian Bob Batchelor.

Pioneering artist Maria Longworth Nichols Storer founded the studio in Cincinnati in 1880, the first large manufacturing company launched by a woman. She then built the business, ultimately laying the foundation for what Rookwood is today; a world-renowned artisanal ceramics company, operating in the heart of the Ohio River Valley.

Rookwood grew to become the most famous art pottery company in the United States in the late nineteenth century into the twentieth century, achieving an international reputation and consistently promoting artistic innovation. Scientific innovation, exceptional glazes, and interesting designs emphasized Storer’s ambition that Rookwood remain “an artist’s studio, not a factory.” 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 to explore new techniques. From New York’s Grand Central Station to The Louvre in Paris, contemporary boutique hotels to historic homes, Rookwood has made a lasting mark on the world.

Today, Rookwood builds on its distinguished tradition, creating the highest-quality pottery and architectural tile in the United States. As a female-owned manufacturing company, Rookwood is deeply committed to its mission: cultivating artistic inspiration, giving back to the community, and balancing its treasured legacy with forward-thinking momentum — ideas that are central to the Rookwood brand. The company takes pride in its process, its people, and its products, ultimately creating premier handcrafted pieces with a story — and one-of-a-kind luxury unique to Rookwood.

Filled with behind-the-scenes artist and creator profiles, new research regarding the company’s rich heritage, as well as the never-before-seen images and documents from the company’s historic archives, you’ll see why Rookwood remains a pillar of true craftsmanship.