Design by: Tiffany Skilling Interiors | Photo by: Ash & Co. Creative | Glaze: Nebula
With all of us spending more time at home, creating a space you love has never been more important. Make a resolution to reinvent and refresh for the year ahead! We’ve rounded up the top designer picks for 2021 and beyond below...
A dark pine green with a muted velveteen finish, Limerick is a bold and beautiful choice for any space.
“Green is a staple in our color wheel and it’s showing in all textiles, artwork, clothing etc. This is why I feel Limerick will trend for 2021! Green always has its presence, it’s a forever tone.” - Designer Marilyn Kurelis, Kurelis Interiors
Copper Canyon is captivating with traces of ice blue framed by deep, burnt brown. An organic oxymoron, we love the delicate patina it brings in both big and small doses.
A soft silky blue with hints of green, Lagoon evokes a sense of serenity, each tile deep and soothing like the morning tide.
Tunis' dimensional blue-grey color is a perfect way to conjure up the beauty of a seaside escape.
Glacier's cool, glossy white brings timeless elegance to any space with a snowy finish formed by a special glaze technique used by our artists.
Glaze: Reflect
An unexpected twist on an undeniably timeless hue, the dark grey of Reflect dazzles with a speckled metallic finish.
Vision is a warm white glaze color flecked with gold crystalline that brings a textured effect that's almost celestial in feel.
Molokai makes any space memorable with a bright green crackle base speckled with light blue crystalline.
A true showstopper, Kawah gives your eyes a visual feast with the naturally formed crystalline evoking layer after layer of vibrant texture. The copper base has a hint of burnt orange that play happily with midnight teal crystals on the surface.
“I love the idea of using Kawah for a fireplace. I think it has the perfect mix of that Mid-Century Modern burnt orange color in the background and the pop of teal to add something fresh and unexpected. The crystal blooms create a natural pattern that artists dream about. I keep a piece of Kawah on my desk as inspiration to never design anything ordinary.” - Ashley Kasper, A. Kitchen Design House
Find more inspiration for the year ahead here and connect with our tile experts to turn your dream space into a reality.
]]>In late November 1880, Maria Longworth Nichols (later Storer) and several helpers pulled the first pieces from the kiln in the little pottery factory she set up on the eastern edge of Cincinnati. There were some friends on hand, but the occasion wasn’t marked by a grand celebration or ribbon-cutting ceremony.
When word spread among Queen City merchants and business owners, the male leaders painted a picture of doom and gloom. They warned her that no female could possibly run a business on her own. They were flabbergasted by her sheer audacity and certain that the pottery would quickly wither into oblivion.
While it may seem odd today to label a female-owned business “revolutionary,” this was at a time when few women worked outside the home. It would be another 40 years until women won the right to vote.
What we recognize now is that Maria’s first kiln marks a significant date in the history of art pottery. In 1880, it took a fierce and strong-minded woman to overcome the boundaries that the male business world erected to keep females locked out. Maria had to defy societal norms to force her way in. Certainly, small-mindedness would not stop her. Rookwood’s very existence as a female-owned manufacturer employing other women broke that era’s delicate societal norms. For a company so steeped in history, there’s reason to recognize a greater milestone —the creation of the first business founded and run by a woman in the United States.
Thirty-one years after the start of Rookwood, International Women’s Day began. That initial recognition had more than 1 million participants. Then, like now, the struggle for equality moved far beyond trailblazers like Maria, to the collective efforts of people all across the globe.
When she started Rookwood, Maria was determined that the potter’s wheel would be turned by “woman power.” She hired both men and women as decorators, giving trained women additional opportunities other than the traditional route of becoming teachers or nurses.
According to sculptor Bill Glass, the last artist at Rookwood when it left Cincinnati in early 1960, “Maria’s influence can be seen in all the potteries across the US that started after she pointed the way. Most of them began because of what she was able to do with Rookwood. It gave women many opportunities to become artists.”
Today, Rookwood is a leader in female empowerment under the guidance of owner Marilyn Scripps, who employs a workforce that is 70 percent women – unusual in the manufacturing industry. Rookwood is also proud to include female small business owners within its Brands We Love product line.
Each day, through its craftsmanship and artistry, Rookwood demonstrates that women and men can play an equal role in bringing art into everyday surroundings. The world is vastly different now than in 1880, but providing female artisans with a creative mission is still at the heart of Rookwood’s commitment to both the arts and the business community alike.
]]>Spring is a wonderful time of year to refresh your home, both indoors and out. These 3 simple décor updates make a big impact with minimal effort!
With five glazes to mix and match from, our handcrafted house numbers are an eye-catching way to add personality to your exterior.
Beautiful blooms don’t have to be the only things that perk up the room around you — a vibrant vase, such as the Flora or Clove in our new Solstice glaze, is the perfect way to introduce color and can work as a piece of art on its own.
We can’t think of a better way to bring a breath of fresh air into your indoor décor than incorporating hints of nature throughout. Adorning your dinner table or beautifully framed, our decorative tiles are handpainted by our artists with flowers, charming birds, and leafy trees to bring a lively touch of spring to any room.
]]>Meet ceramicist and artist, Morgan Willenbrink, and take a look at the inspiration behind her work.
Today we’re talking with Morgan Willenbrink, the creator behind some of our favorite production pieces like our heartwarming Morgan Candle, our sweet Flora Bud Vase, ever popular Emilia Charcuterie Board, Emilia Share Board and brand new Emilia Pinch Bowl
Morgan does a variety of things around Rookwood Pottery, like creating the one-of-a-kind items you can find in our showroom, creating custom dinnerware pieces for some of your favorite local restaurants, and prototyping new products.
Can you describe a typical day for yourself, inside and outside of the studio? What is a day in the life in your studio like?
Morgan: Everyday is different. My tasks, on a day-to-day basis, revolve around the process of throwing and what I call ‘babysitting’. So much of working with clay is really just waiting until the right time to move on to the next step. Starting with a ball of clay on the wheel is just the beginning. Once a piece is thrown, it is set aside to firm up which can take anywhere from an hour to a day. Once a piece is just firm enough to handle, I cut it from the bat and flip it upside down to even the drying. Waiting for the piece to become leather hard, the next step is to return to the wheel to trim the foot and refine the shape itself. From there, the piece is left uncovered to thoroughly dry before bisque firing. This process gets a little tricky when you have several pieces of various stages in the drying process where you have to jump from throwing to trimming to building and so on.
Can you tell us about your design process and how it has evolved?
Morgan: My design process is entirely hands on. I am not a drawer. 2-D is not my thing; I really do think in three-dimension. When just jumping on the wheel and going for it and working through the details of a piece physically isn’t an option, I’ve found ways of communicating ideas in other ways than traditional sketching. For example, I brainstorm forms and new shapes by cutting silhouettes from paper or create clay maquettes or mini versions to represent different approaches and ideas.
Do you use any specific tools to achieve your results?
Morgan: My hands! And my wheel is pretty important, too.
When you started college, did you have any idea that ceramics would eventually become something that you do everyday?
Morgan: Not exactly. I was introduced to ceramics in high school which prompted my interest to go to school for fine arts. I went to the University of Cincinnati’s Design, Architecture, Art and Planning program. It wasn’t until the second half of my sophomore year at university that I even enrolled in a ceramics studio class. I think the beginning of my third year in DAAP was when I learned how to throw on the wheel which was ironically when I began working towards earning my teaching license which is where I saw my career headed. By the time I was getting ready to graduate with my bachelors as well as my teaching license, I took a chance with Rookwood and started the week after graduation and here I am almost 2 years later.
Do you feel you have taken any risks to get to where you are today?
Morgan: Sure! I think the biggest risk was looking past the stigma that follows a career in art and doing it anyway.
How do you separate your personal work from the work you do for Rookwood?
Morgan: The only distinguishable difference between my personal work and the work I do for Rookwood is the purpose. I guess it’s all about the mindset. My work at Rookwood is all about achieving an end product. It is a collaborative effort between myself and our team which allows me to focus primarily on the formal aspects and does not limit the potential of each individual piece based on my own ability. My personal work is significantly less organized. I can experiment and create without means to an end which allows me to take risks and push the limits of both the material and myself.
Do you have a philosophy or motto when it comes to your work?
Morgan: I read an article a few years back that has stuck with me for some time. “The clay will tell you how you are”. The learning of pottery is technical but as soon as things click, it become something much more telling.
Do you have a favorite work or piece that you treasure? Did you sell it or do you keep your favorites?
Morgan: I have a few pieces that are especially sentimental that I won’t give up. They are by no means my best or most successful pieces. One of these is my first ever thrown piece; It’s chunky, unbalanced and SO heavy. Its imperfections are exactly what make it so special. It represents the beginning of my journey and is such a fun object of comparison as I continue to grow both personally and professionally.
Do you work with any mediums other than clay?
Morgan: Although I am definitely a clay gal, I have worked in all kinds of mediums in the past. If it wasn’t clay, I think metal would be my medium of choice. I learned to weld actually before I ever learned to throw on the wheel!
Any advice for an aspiring ceramic artist?
Morgan: Patience, persistence, and YouTube.
Any hints to any special projects in the works?
Morgan: We are starting to explore beyond pots! Keep an eye out for handmade and one-of-a-kind things created using various techniques off of the wheel!
Thank you for taking the time to chat, Morgan!
]]>Feature Palette Color Inspiration
A curated blend of metropolitan-inspired hues, the Urban Canvas feature palette celebrates the foundational arts culture of our fair city. With each touch of the artist’s brush, a breath of new life is given to structures both new and old for each passersby to stop and admire.
The warm tones and textures found in the natural materials of each structure inspire the soft neutral tones of this palette, with bold pops of color to mimic the vibrancy of the artist’s imaginative strokes cascading across the walls.
From the soft speckled texture of Chanterelle, to the vivid red of Terra di Sienna, this feature palette illustrates both the passion and artistry found on every corner of the urban landscape. Find your inner artist and create your own inspired space.
A unique take on a subway tile backsplash, featuring Rookwood’s Selene tile. Installed by David Sass.
Think you know everything there is to know about Rookwood Pottery?
Think again.
“I love our history, our proud past, our reputation for innovative ceramics and glazing, but I also love our future focus, moving more into the architectural piece and creating Rookwood in new homes or restorations of older homes,” says Jennifer Berger, Rookwood Pottery’s Director of Sales. Berger, a native Cincinnatian with more than 23 years of experience, was hired last fall to lead Rookwood’s architectural tile teams.
Berger’s resounding rescript: Today’s Rookwood tile is not only for a fireplace, a backsplash or a shower, but for every room in a home. And it’s affordable.
“I think there is a misconception, just because of Rookwood’s legendary name and its history that Rookwood is a premium – and therefore untouchable – product, financially,” she says. “Homeowners may not be sure they can afford to install Rookwood.”
Yet nothing could be further from the truth.
“Rookwood tile is so versatile. Different colors, different glazes, different installs – they all result in different effects. It’s not an all-or-nothing product. Each unique tile is a piece of art – approximately 13 sets of artisans’ hands touch every tile from beginning to end. Yet Rookwood is reasonably priced.”
Berger shares the story of one customer who decided to install Rookwood behind her desk in the cozy nook between her kitchen and living room. Another customer installed Rookwood behind a bookshelf. The “wow” effect following both installations? Off the charts. Berger recently did a walkthrough at a home in Eden Park where the owner did a phenomenal job of reintroducing Rookwood throughout the entire house.
“Cincinnati is experiencing such a resurgence, such a revival, in OTR and Downtown,” Berger says. “Cincinnati is on the map, so if there is a perfect time to become reacquainted with Rookwood, it’s now. It fits so well into the excitement surrounding our city. We’re excited to work with homeowners, designers, installers, and others in creating our stunning, hand-crafted ceramic tile and architectural elements. Our new showroom features both our new releases and our heritage tile designs.”
Installing Rookwood tiles is akin to hanging invaluable works of art in customers’ homes, says David Sass, Castle Keep owner and general contractor.
“They want the tiles just so, and rightfully so,” says the Rookwood installer. “I have to respect the art that has been entrusted to me. Each tile is a work of art, in and of itself. Each tile is unique in size, shape and coloration because they’re handmade, handcrafted products. As an installer, I can’t presume, then, that they are perfectly aligned. I have to pay attention to each piece and place it where it needs to be. When you do that throughout the entire installation, you get an accumulative effect that is not attainable any other way.”
Typically, a Rookwood installation takes Sass three to four days to complete, and his customers’ input plays an integral role in the process.
“They are sharing in the creation of this unique work of art,” Sass says. “It’s not just another tile job, another remodel job. If you’re paying attention to the product, its history, and the people involved; if you’ve been onsite at the Rookwood production facility and have seen the faces of the local Cincinnatians putting these tiles together, you want to honor their work. They are not robots on some distant assembly line. They are Cincinnati people – vibrant folks – putting a lot of effort into producing an extraordinary product.”
Most of his customers are well-aware of historical Rookwood, Sass notes. Rookwood’s ongoing challenge, he believes, is to retain its historical aspects while meeting the current demands of the modern homeowner. “It’s difficult to keep one foot on your heritage and one foot on tomorrow,” he says. But if anyone knows how to stretch across that span, it’s Rookwood.
Homeowner Karen Dorn grew up surrounded by Rookwood, and she chose to incorporate Rookwood into their kitchen renovation project because, well, she has always wanted to.
“We had talked about Rookwood for a long time,” she recalls. “I attended the former School for Creative and Performing Arts in the old Woodard Building down on Sycamore Street in OTR. There was a beautiful Rookwood tile drinking fountain and other Rookwood installations throughout the building, so it was always kind of a dream of mine. I just always associated Rookwood with beautiful things.”
Once they visited the Rookwood showroom and worked with the design team, Dorn realized her Rookwood dream was affordable, hence, attainable. The Whitman Rook Medallion tiles were really the starting point, the inspiration, for their color scheme, melding blues and greens.
“We saw the Whitman Rook tiles in the showroom – I believe it was a fireplace – and I got a feel for the way the blue and the green could play together,” Dorn explains. They decided to do their entire backsplash in the green and customize it by incorporating the blue. “This influenced pretty much everything else in the project, all the way down to the shade of the Calcutta marble we chose, and one of the custom cabinets we painted.”
What is it about Rookwood that most adds value to customers’ homes and their lives?
“It added value in the sense that it cost us the same as any other high-quality ceramic tile would have cost,” says Dorn. “We don’t feel we paid a premium for it, but we got the premium product, with the ability to customize throughout the process – it’s beautiful. It’s historic. It’s uniquely Cincinnati. And it’s a dream come true to have it in our home.”
When it came to remodeling her authentic 1929 bungalow in Milford, Ohio, Rookwood was destined to be a part of the project, says Susan Gates, an interior designer with Hueber Homes. “I knew I had to have it somewhere. Being an interior designer, I knew we wanted something that was a little different. I talked to the design team, found the pattern and a color I loved, and branched off from there.” Gates ended up choosing the Rookwood Tree of Life pattern for her wine bar back splash and fireplace, and the outside colors of the house all go with it.
“I love it!” says Gates. “It’s a conversation piece, having Rookwood in our home. We already had some little collectible pieces of Rookwood Pottery, so that just added to it. I am thrilled to show it to anybody. Rookwood is such a Cincinnati heritage. I’ve always loved the look and the history, and we have the perfect home to use it in. Now I wander around and think, ‘Hmm, where else can I put Rookwood tile?’ Maybe on a bistro table top on my front porch? That would be fun.”
Come tour Rookwood’s production facility and get a firsthand look at our process. To meet with our design team and get started on your next project, call 513-382-2510 or send us a message.
Thank you to Lead Cincinnati for sharing the story of homeowners who have been delighted by their Rookwood installations.
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Take a walk on the cozy side with the Mementos feature palette – a dreamy variety of colors inspired by the place you call home. Drink in the tender moments of a day spent basking in the comfort of your own space, welcoming the familiar sights and sounds that bring you peace.
The radiant blues and neutrals are inspired by carefree gatherings under the clear blue sky with loved ones, and will allow the blissful memory of those moments to fill the most beloved corners of your home.
Whether you resonate with the elegant rich grey of Box Canyon, or the varying textures of Misty Moon, each exquisite glaze is handcrafted to tell the story of your most treasured moments.
Explore the Mementos! 1 – Box Canyon // 2 – Aegean // 3 – Blue Flax // 4 – Misty Moon // 5 – Roman White
]]>A flair for fairs and markets have us inspired this fall season
With a selection of warm colors influenced by the season, as well as the festivals, and fairs, and farmers markets that come with it, the Street Market Palette evokes the feeling of days best spent wandering. Perfect for offering pops of color on floors and surfaces, a sentiment of stress-free days can bring life to any room.
From the earthy tones of Devon, Pueblo, and Bungalow to the bright statements of Raspberry Rose and Maize, complementary glazes feature grounded hues with a hint of vibrancy.
Explore the releases! 1 – Devon // 2 – Pueblo // 3 – Maize // 4 – Raspberry Rose // 5 – Bungalow
]]>The new sanctuary: a creative refuge drawn in dark tones, bold pairings and crystalline finishes that catch the light. An edit of edge and ease, Haven renders any space sophisticated, unexpected—and utterly timeless.
Anticipating autumn’s crisper climes—and winter’s eventual freeze—we’re drawn to the dramatic tones of Haven: a palette that explores texture and light with celebratory nuance.
From metallic charcoal to matte gunmetal, we explored grey in full—a color as earthy as it is elevated. Paired with glossy, gold-flecked white and strong matte black, this palette is a lesson in perspective: the new neutrals are anything but.
Explore the release: 01 Bedrock // 02 Vision // 03 Reflect // 04 Beatnik
]]>Actress, Team Fiona Member:
Q: How do you think Fiona inspired a community behind her?
Ernaisja: Fiona is a symbol of hope and love that was born at the exact time the world needed something positive to cling to.
Q: As a role model, what kind of message do you think Fiona gives to her fans?
Ernaisja: Perseverance. Fiona literally wasn’t supposed to survive, BUT SHE DID. Any of her fans that may be struggling will hopefully be inspired to Never Give Up.
Q: What is your favorite Fiona moment?
Ernaisja: I love the absolute joy and elation on my friend’s faces every time a new Fiona video or article comes out. Fiona makes them beyond happy, and I am all for that! My best friend even claims Fiona as her spirit animal!
Q: What was your favorite moment of the commercial?
Ernaisja: The commercial was so much fun! I felt like a Stand-Up Comedian/Cheerleader because I was making sure everyone was laughing and having a good time while being comfortable on camera. I think I did that job well!
Care Team Lead, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden:
Q: What has Fiona taught you about overcoming obstacles?
Christina: Fiona has taught me that anything is possible with enough determination and spirit. A strong will to survive can go a long way.
Q: What qualities about Fiona shaped her into a cultural icon?
Christina: Fiona has everything we love in a celebrity: humble beginnings, beating the odds, off the charts cuteness factor, and a sassy attitude.
Q: What is your favorite Fiona moment?
Christina: My favorite Fiona moment was introducing her to Bibi and seeing her sit right next to her mom like they had never been apart.
Annnnnd Fiona using me as a pillow/raft when she would get tired from swimming!
Director of Marketing, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden:
Q: What has been the big picture impact that Fiona has had on the city of Cincinnati, the local economy, and even the world?
Chad: Fiona has been a huge economic boost for several retailers within Hamilton County. We are thankful that these local businesses chose to share a portion of the proceeds that they have received. It’s great for their business and extremely important to the zoo. As one of the oldest non-profits in the city, we rely on these great local partnerships.
Beyond the economic boost to this community, the amount of publicity Fiona has brought to the County, the City and to the Zoo is priceless. And, the positive spotlight she’s put on our industry as a whole is invaluable. Millions more people are now inspired by the work that our staff does every single day. We should all feel proud that Fiona’s calls Cincinnati home.
Q: What was your first experience with Fiona?
Chad: I remember walking into the room just a few hours after she was born and witnessing an incredible team of Zoo vets, neonate staff and hippo care team working together to help the premature calf. This inspired my team to share this story with people from around the world and highlight the lengths we go to for the animals in our care. The work that our team was doing to save Fiona was incredible and unprecedented. The public got to ride the emotional roller coaster along with us and, consequently, became emotionally invested.
Q: What is your favorite Fiona moment?
Chad: The moment when Fiona took her first wobbly steps was a huge milestone. It was inspiring. She became a symbol of hope. We knew then she was a fighter and a survivor. We shared her struggles and celebrated her successes and everyone fell in love with this underdog story. We’re glad that she’s popular because her superstar status has made her an incredible ambassador for her species.
I’ve never experienced anything like this in my 20-year career. She’s a rock star and people from around the globe love her. She’s been made Honorary Deputy by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department. She received her own library card. She’s witnessed a marriage proposal. She’s been in books, on a cookie, beer label, an ornament, a shirt, ice cream. She’s a brand. There was even a movement for her to be Time’s Person(ality) of the Year. 2017 was definitely the year of Fiona.
Commercial Director, Rebel Pilgrim:
Q:What about Fiona’s story inspired you to write such a compelling commercial?
Brad: To quote my co-worker and producer of the commercial, Isaac Stambaugh, “Fiona is an underwater underdog story. Everyone loves an underdog story and this one came at the exact right time. The country was so divided and along comes this adorable hippo fighting for her life. It was something pure and good that we could all root for. She brought us together when we needed it most.
Q: To you, what does it mean to be apart of #TeamFiona?
Brad: I think it means being part of a community of people that dares to hope together and will do whatever it takes to write a better story. Together.
Q: What is your favorite Fiona moment?
Brad: I love the moment when she’s just a lil’ thing in the baby pool and she tries to chomp on her keeper’s leg. That gets me every time. She’s been fiercely adorable from the get go.
Fiona’s story has captured our hearts as an example of the power of determination, positivity, fearlessness, and teamwork!
Get your own Rookwood Pottery Team Fiona Ornament or Hippo Cove Coaster to show your team spirit — Share yours by tagging #RookwoodFionaFix to show your hippo pride! Go, Team Fiona, go!
To provide continued support for animal families like Fiona’s, Rookwood donates 20% of the proceeds from each Fiona piece purchased to the Cincinnati Zoo Conservation Fund.
]]>A commercial to bring everyone together... Cheers!
2018 was the year of the hippo… All thanks to Fiona, and the team that came together around her! Fiona went from a vulnerable infant to a powerful icon in just under a year, after she was born 6 weeks premature and overcame every challenge thrown her way.
Fiona couldn’t have done it without the support of her amazing care team and the help and resources of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. With the strength and determination of #TeamFiona, her health improved drastically and she was able to join her parents in Hippo Cove at the Cincinnati Zoo!
Her story doesn’t stop there. With her perseverance she has served as inspiration for many, with people all over the world watching as she grows. We are thrilled to be able to help share her story through Rookwood Pottery’s partnership with the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.
In partnership with the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, we have designed and released an Ornament, Coaster and limited-edition Mug. For each of these pieces, Rookwood has donated 20% of the proceeds back to the Cincinnati Zoo Conservation Fund to support Fiona and the other animals at the zoo.
We also teamed up with storytelling agency Rebel Pilgrim to create a Super Bowl commercial that commemorates all the good Fiona has brought to the Cincinnati community and beyond. This commercial celebrates the hippo that has captured our hearts and brought us all together as one. Thanks to Fiona for showing us what it means to overcome. Cheers to Fiona!
Missed our commercial? Don’t worry! You can view it anytime here:
Fiona’s story has captured our hearts as an example of the power of determination, positivity, fearlessness, and teamwork!
Our #TeamFiona members from the Cincinnati Zoo and beyond are proud to be a part of Fiona’s story.
Do you love Fiona as much as we do? Let’s give a toast to #TeamFiona!
Get your own Rookwood Pottery Team Fiona Ornament or Hippo Cove Coaster to show your team spirit — Share yours by tagging #RookwoodFionaFix to show your hippo pride! Go, Team Fiona, go!
To provide continued support for animal families like Fiona’s, Rookwood donated a portion of the proceeds from the Fiona commemoratives to the Cincinnati Zoo Conservation Fund.
]]>We at Rookwood Pottery love having the opportunity to team up with passionate people and businesses to create custom, timeless works of art using beautiful ceramics, tile, and commemorative projects.
In 2016, Boca Restaurant approached us on a creative quest — to design custom dinnerware that embraces tradition, commemorates milestones, and celebrates new journeys.
When we teamed up with Boca, they were approaching their 15th anniversary and wanted to celebrate the occasion with a new dinnerware line to present their beautiful cuisine. After months of form and glaze development, we created a beautiful dinnerware series handcrafted just for them.
Boca was able to customize their dinnerware with one-of-a-kind glazes and handcrafted combinations to make their wares as stunning as the meals that grace them.
Photo by Boca Restaurant
The original plate design came from the Rookwood archives and was originally made in the time of the roaring 1920’s. These timeless dinnerware creations translate seamlessly to today’s dining experience, which Boca has artfully perfected.
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Rookwood Tile travels across the ocean from Cincinnati, Ohio to Venice, Italy!
Alchemy is an award-winning installation created from thoughtful innovation, artistic repurposing. and Rookwood Tile in collaboration with The University of Cincinnati College of Design, Architecture, Art & Planning, and other local makers — on display alongside the 2018 Venice Bienniale.
Video credit: in collaboration with Sanjay Sridhar, University of Cincinnati
With an invitation from the GAA Foundation, Terry Boling, Associate Professor of Practice with the University of Cincinnati’s DAAP Program, and his team of 24 students are showcasing Alchemy in Venice ahead of the May 26 to November 11 run of the 16th International Architecture Exhibition (titled FREESPACE) to install their own work in Venice’s Giardino della Marinaressa, located along the city’s monumental waterfront, an opportunity to share Cincinnati with the global design community.
There’s something important and innately human about toiling away at something with your hands instead of at a computer. It’s a different kind of work. It teaches you a different kind of persistence and a different kind of patience entirely. – Andrew Campbell, DAAP Graduate Student
Photo credit: Sanjay Sridhar, University of Cincinnati
With over 1000 tiles and 8,000 pounds of materials, Alchemy took six weeks to be transported across the ocean. It now lives in a city bustling with artistic and architectural excitement bringing in over 500,00 visitors from 65 countries to see the 71 exhibitors for the most revered and prestigious architectural exhibition worldwide. The installation itself is an all-encompassing rainbow room of proprietary Rookwood glazes, adding a key, colorful, feature to this installation in tandem with the iconic ‘makers mark,’ all of which through their innovative reuse, pay homage to Rookwood’s core values:
“Rookwood Pottery resonates with Alchemy, especially in regard to its themes of Sustainability and Community, and we are so are proud to join other local suppliers to support DAAP in their efforts for this exhibition by repurposing Rookwood Tile in an innovative, artistic way.”
In addition to Rookwood Pottery tile, Alchemy also utilizes 80 bottles of Gorilla Glue and other Cincinnati-sourced and repurposed materials to represent all 52 distinct neighborhoods for an awe-inspiring room of color and texture supported by a steel frame armature. The foundation, a Formica Floor, completes the base in the shape of Cincinnati’s neighborhoods, representing the four socio-economic qualities present in Cincinnati. A bronze marker pinpoints the University of Cincinnati, which serves as an augmented reality trigger stimulated by glyphs imprinted on 150-year-old wooden church walls.
Photo credit: Sanjay Sridhar, University of Cincinnati
Are you feeling inspired yet? Start creating your own masterpiece through our Architectural Tile and our Architectural Glaze Collection or stop by our Rookwood Pottery Factory & Design Center for a complimentary design consultation.
Thank you to Lead Cincinnati for sharing the story of our history, our process, and our unique approach to ceramic creations.
]]>Explore our versatile Tortuga Tile
Our Tortuga Tile, part of our Relief Tile collection, elevates the popular ‘fish scale’ tile shape by adding distinctive, hand-crafted relief sure to make your installation stand apart from the rest. Whether finished in classic neutrals or in bold, vibrant glazes, Tortuga is as versatile as it is unique.
Check out some of our favorite Tortuga installations below:
Use this tile to draw your eye upwards to accentuate your ceiling height with a feature wall! Go a step further by using a single glaze modernizing your space by creating a contemporary feature in any installation.
With its distinctive relief, Tortuga is a star candidate for color glazes that react to relief. Colorful glaze combinations add personality and make for a bold and beautiful statement in your home.
Rotate your Tortuga Tile and arrange your installation pointed toward the sky! This is a spin on our ever-popular layout adding a dramatic flair to a classic orientation.
Use a light, low-contrast grout for subdued elegance or add a punch of drama with a grout that contrasts your glaze of choice.
Can’t choose just one glaze? Combine multiples into a colorful palette incorporated into a feature in your backsplash, bathroom, or feature wall.
Interested in using our Tortuga Tile in your next installation?
Let us know by filling out our contact form.
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The Flying Pig Marathon and Rookwood Pottery are two Cincinnati icons founded on the principle of dedication to our craft, respectively through running and artistry, continually inspired by the history and spirit of our community.
In 1996 Bob Coughlin (Paycor founder) just finished an 8-mile run with his training group through Cincinnati, ending their training session on the rooftop deck of local staple, O’Bryon’s Bar & Grill. Here, Bob mapped out the course of the future Flying Pig Marathon on a cocktail napkin. 20 years later, the event has gone national, inspiring and engaging a community of participants, sponsors, volunteers and spectators. Rookwood Pottery is honored to be one of them, teaming up for the creation of the first Coughlin Cup (named after Bob), which was awarded to the male and female first-place finishers, Aaron Viets and Caitlin Keen.
For this momentus milestone, Rookwood also created The Flying Pig Marathon Mug and Flying Pig Marathon Ornament, both of which contributed proceeds to the Flying Pig Marathon and the charities they support. These collaboration items feature the Flying Pig and an homage to 20 Years Running, a truly special commemoration of a marathon so iconic to the city.
The ornament has the pig outline on a pink background, specially crafted by Rookwood’s glaze chemists to match the marathon’s “piggy pink” and on the reverse side showcases the mission of the Flying Pig.
The handmade, hand-dipped ceramic mug celebrates Rookwood’s artistic talent, utilizing the skills of three in-house artists with the form created by Morgan Willenbrink, handle design by Zach Sabatelli, and badge design by Mary Guanciale.
]]>“To have such a Cincinnati treasure as the Rookwood Pottery Co. produce keepsakes for our anniversary is such an honor. These will be treasured by participants and their families for years to come.” – Iris Bush Simpson (Executive Director, Flying Pig Marathon)
Interested in your own Rookwood collaboration?
Gia & The Blooms partnered with Rookwood Pottery to experiment with the new Spring Collection!
Our friends at Gia & The Blooms know a thing or two about flowers, creating beautiful bouquets for weddings, installations all around the city, and of course Mother’s Day. We partnered with this local OTR flower shop for a little experiment to feature one bouquet dressed up in five different Rookwood Pottery vases from our new Spring Collection!
Our sweet vase, known as our Clove Vase, is a little piece of Rookwood history. Originally created by artist Kataro Shirayamadani in 1928, this vase was named for and inspired by the shape of a clove of garlic. The soft, billowed edges delicately show off the glaze variations in this watercolor-inspired treatment and showcase your Spring greenery.
Our classic Teardrop Vase is inspired by a 1930’s Rookwood pitcher created by artist John D. Wareham. This timeless design meets a modern finish, presenting an elegantly daring look to hold a dozen of your favorite blooms.
Our Flora Bud Vase is one of the newest pieces from our growing collection of vases. Made by Rookwood artist, Morgan Willenbrink, this delicate vessel is carved to have the appearance of petals cascading down each side. The narrow spout is made to display fluttering bundles of blooms and is topped off in a sunshine-inspired glaze.
Our Rienerth Vase & Cooler, made by Rookwood artist and mold-maker, Jessie Rienerth, doubles as a vase and wine cooler (if you didn’t guess that from the name!) Simply fill with a handful of flowers or pair with your favorite bottle of vino and you’re set.
Our Gypsy Vase was designed by Rookwood artist and mold-maker, Zach Sabatelli. This tall and slender form has a unique geometric design, crafted for displaying stately centerpieces on any table and thoughtfully designed to double as a pitcher for entertaining.
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A re-cap of our appraisal event with Riley Humler of Humler & Nolan
On March 10th, 2018 Rookwood Pottery hosted Riley Humler, famed Art Pottery appraiser featured on Antiques Roadshow on PBS. Riley Humler is also the notable Auction Director of Humler & Nolan auction group, based right here in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Riley Humler is a distinguished seller and collector with over 35 years of experience in the antique art pottery and ceramics world. He is an expert on all things pottery, especially Rookwood Pottery, but also including other American Art Pottery, European Art Pottery, Art Tile, Installations, and more!
We were honored to host Humler for an appraisal event at our Production Facility, where we welcomed visitors to bring their cherished Rookwood pieces for a one-on-one appraisal with Riley Humler, himself.
Almost 200 guests joined us with their vintage items. Each guest brought between 1-10 pieces of art with them, some Rookwood and some crafted by other historic potteries.
In the end, over 80% of the appraised items were authenticated and valued as antique Rookwood Pottery! Many heartwarming stories were exchanged between each guest and Riley Humler with anecdotes about the pieces and information shared about each artist that worked at Rookwood many years ago.
We were amazed by some of the pieces that were seen at the event! One piece in particular was painted by Rookwood Artist, Grace Young. Grace attended the Cincinnati Art Academy , now know as the Art Academy of Cincinnati, and began working at Rookwood Pottery in the year 1886 at the age of 17.
Below you’ll see one of her pieces that was brought to be appraised at the event:
Grace Young is credited with being one of the first artists to begin doing portraits at Rookwood. Grace is known for including portraits of Native Americans on ceramic vases. Many of the portrait vases were painted from photographs, which are thought to have been provided to Rookwood Pottery by The Smithsonian Institution.
A similar piece being appraised for what is said to be a conservative estimate of $6,000 – $9,000!
Which you can see in this featured video.
We had so much fun watching Riley Humler at work and look forward to hosting him again in the future!
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Historic tile designs reimagined
This kitchen takes historic Rookwood elements and utilizes them in a modern, truly one-of-a-kind way.
The Whitman Rook tile featured in this installation comes from an heritage design and was originally featured in Rookwood’s catalog in 1912. Devon, the green glaze used on the field tile, is inspired by heritage glaze hues and finishes. These heritage elements are harmoniously combined with contemporary, open shelving and a counter-to-ceiling feature wall backsplash.
The homeowner, Karen D., shared some of her inspiration and the reasons why she chose Rookwood Pottery in an interview with us.
Q: What about Rookwood adds value to your life?
Karen D.: I would say Rookwood adds value to our life as well as our lifestyle. The tile that we chose for our installation adds overall value to our home. We also got something that is so authentically Cincinnati in the process, and something so beautiful and customizable as well.
The real value comes from visitors we have in our home and see the tile and ask “where did you get this beautiful tile!” and then telling them that it is Rookwood, it really feels like something special.
Q: How did Rookwood influence your design choices?
Karen D.: Rookwood overall really influenced the rest of the design for this remodel project. The Whitman Rook Medallion Tiles themselves were really the starting point and inspiration for the color scheme in incorporating the blues and the greens.
We saw them in the Rookwood Showroom I got a feeling for the way the blue and the green could play together. With that I decided to do the entire backsplash in the green, and have the Whitman Rook done custom so that we could have the Rookwood Field Tile in the blue. We ended up carrying out that theme through the entire project, including our custom cabinet installation done in a similar shade of blue.
Interested in finding out more about our Whitman Rook Tiles?
Let us know by filling out our contact form.
Do you have Rookwood Tile in your home? Show us how your style it by sharing yours using our #RookwoodTile hashtag! Looking for examples? Check out our Rookwood Tile on our Instagram.