The History Of Avon Pottery

Avon pottery is a type of ceramic ware that was produced by the American company Avon Products Inc. The pottery was primarily produced in the 1950s and 1960s and was sold as a promotional item by the cosmetics company. Avon pottery is known for its attractive designs and vibrant colors, and it has become a popular collectible among antique enthusiasts.

The History of Avon Products Inc.

To understand the history of Avon pottery, it is important to first look at the history of Avon Products Inc. The company was founded in 1886 by David H. McConnell, a book salesman who noticed that his female customers were more interested in the free perfume samples he offered than in the books he was selling. McConnell decided to start a company that would sell perfumes and cosmetics directly to women, and he called the company the California Perfume Company.

In 1928, the California Perfume Company changed its name to Avon Products Inc. The new name was inspired by the Avon River in England, which McConnell had admired during a trip to the country. The company continued to grow and expand over the years and is now one of the largest direct selling companies in the world.

The Origins of Avon Pottery

Avon Products Inc. began selling pottery in the 1950s as a promotional item. The pottery was designed to be given away as a gift with purchase of Avon products. The company produced a variety of different types of pottery, including figurines, vases, and plates.

The designs of Avon pottery were inspired by a variety of different sources, including nature, animals, and holidays. Some of the most popular designs were the Cape Cod collection, which featured a deep ruby red color, and the Hummingbird collection, which featured delicate designs of hummingbirds and flowers.

The Production of Avon Pottery

Avon pottery was produced by a number of different manufacturers, including Fenton Art Glass Company, Tiffin Glass Company, and Royal China Company. Each of these manufacturers produced different types of Avon pottery, including glassware, dinnerware, and decorative pieces.

One of the most well-known manufacturers of Avon pottery was the Fenton Art Glass Company. Fenton produced a variety of different types of Avon pottery, including glassware, figurines, and decorative plates. The company was known for its high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail, and its pieces are highly sought after by collectors today.

Another popular manufacturer of Avon pottery was the Tiffin Glass Company. Tiffin produced a variety of different types of Avon pottery, including glassware, vases, and decorative pieces. The company was known for its innovative designs and use of color, and its pieces are highly collectible today.

The Royal China Company was another manufacturer of Avon pottery. The company produced a variety of different types of pottery, including dinnerware, coffee mugs, and decorative plates. The company was known for its durable and high-quality pieces, and its Avon pottery is highly sought after by collectors today.

The Popularity of Avon Pottery

Avon pottery became extremely popular during the 1950s and 1960s. The pottery was given away as a promotional item with the purchase of Avon products, and many people began collecting the pieces as a result. The attractive designs and vibrant colors of the pottery made it a popular choice among collectors, and it has remained popular to this day.

One of the reasons for the popularity of Avon pottery is its affordability. Many of the pieces were given away for free with the purchase of Avon products, making them accessible to a wide range of people. Additionally, the high-quality craftsmanship and attractive designs of the pottery made it a desirable collectible item.

Avon pottery also became popular due to its association with the Avon brand. Avon Products Inc. was a well-known and respected company, and many people wanted to own pieces of Avon pottery as a way to show their loyalty to the brand.

Collecting Avon Pottery

Collecting Avon pottery has become a popular hobby among antique enthusiasts. There are many different types of Avon pottery to collect, including glassware, dinnerware, figurines, and decorative plates. Some collectors focus on collecting a particular type of Avon pottery, while others collect a variety of different pieces.

When collecting Avon pottery, it is important to look for pieces that are in good condition. Many pieces of Avon pottery were used as everyday items and may show signs of wear and tear. However, some collectors prefer pieces that show signs of use, as they add to the piece's history and character.

It is also important to look for pieces that are authentic. There are many reproductions of Avon pottery on the market, and it can be difficult to tell the difference between a genuine piece and a fake. Collectors should do their research and buy from reputable dealers to ensure that they are getting an authentic piece of Avon pottery.

The Future of Avon Pottery

While Avon Products Inc. no longer produces pottery, the collectibility of Avon pottery has remained strong. Many collectors continue to seek out pieces of Avon pottery to add to their collections, and the pieces remain a popular choice among antique enthusiasts.

As time goes on, the value of Avon pottery may continue to increase, particularly for rare or unique pieces. However, the popularity of Avon pottery may also decrease as newer collectibles come onto the market.

Overall, the history of Avon pottery is a fascinating look at the relationship between a company and its promotional items. The pottery has become a beloved collectible among antique enthusiasts and remains a testament to the quality and craftsmanship of Avon Products Inc.