Pinecroft Pottery, Aylmer Ontario, Canada - 19th in Canadiana Series
Pinecroft Pottery will be celebrating their 65th Anniversary this summer! Located in picturesque Elgin County, it is Canada's oldest family run pottery studio.
Established in 1948 by Selma Caverly and her husband James (Jimmie) Clennell, producing fine quality earthenware and stoneware thrown pottery. By the late 1950's Pinecroft items could be found in over 200 gift shops across Canada. Jimmie first worked at Medalta Pottery in Alberta Canada and joined Medicine Hat Potteries in 1940. Born in England in 1912, he came to Alberta when he was 14 to live with an uncle. Selma's father owned 54 acres in Elgin County, Ontario and had the forethought to plant 85,000 pine seedlings in the 1920's. When the couple wanted to open their own pottery, Selma's father offered the original log cabin, built in 1934, within the now lush pine forest on the property. They called their pottery Pinecroft after this beautiful setting.
Pinecroft Pottery in 1948 showing the founders, Selma Caverly (1900-1994) and Jimmie Clennell (1912-1996). Photo courtesy of pinecroft.ca
In the early years, Pinecroft sourced their clay from the Musquodoboit River in Nova Scotia, and blended it with complimentary clay from Foster Pottery, a flower pot manufacturer.
An example of an older Pinecroft specialty glaze, thick white with a green and blue drip edge, on an asymmetrical bon bon or candy dish.
In the early years, the raw materials for glazes were purchased from Ferro Enamels in Oakville Ontario, and were hand blended by Selma & Jimmie.
Red natural clay base, hand signed by the potter with a sharp tool before firing. A typical mark was usually "Pinecroft handmade Aylmer Canada". This bon bon dish simply shows "Pinecroft Canada". A very few were dated and are among the most sought after pieces made by the original founders.
An example of a commemorative piece signed by Jimmie Clennell honouring his wife upon her death in 1996.
The identity of the potter can often be recognized by the handwriting of the signature. Comparing this commemorative signature by Jimmie, the bon bon dish above was likely signed by Selma.
Today, Pinecroft is owned and operated by Brenda Smith (nee Caverly - a niece/original owner's granddaughter) and her husband Paul. Brenda joined Pinecroft in 1972.
Today, clay comes from Kentucky and Georgia and is purchased from The Pottery Supply House in Oakville Ontario. A specially blended formula developed in 1988 by Paul & Brenda and results in a buff/grey stoneware. After 1988 all pieces are dated, but are still hand signed in the tradition of Brenda's aunt and uncle.
Early creamer and sugar bowls were meant to be stackable. As each set is hand thrown, if the two fit securely they are a matched set. If otherwise, they are a "married" or mismatched set. Something to keep in mind when treasure hunting!*
Glazes are now purchased from The Pottery Supply House, but are blended to specifications set out by Brenda and Paul.*
*These two photos courtesy of antiques67
Along with the Pinecroft Pottery, the property offers a pottery workshop, a bed and breakfast cabin, a massage cabin, a gift shop and gallery (showcasing carefully chosen local artists as well as Pinecroft Pottery items), and the Green Frog tearoom for refreshments and light meals. The Green Frog was added on the occasion of Pinecroft's 30th anniversary in 1978.
A lovely destination with gorgeous pottery. Be sure to check them out when on your Treasure Hunting travels!
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