In May of 2016, after 145 years of operation, Haeger Potteries closed its doors. The decision was made by the company’s President, Alexandra Haeger-Estes, who is the great-granddaughter of founder David Haeger. We absolutely love every Haeger piece we’ve come across, including the ones sold in our shop, so we wanted to take some brief time to reflect on the Haeger Potteries legacy.
Haeger Potteries: The Beginning
In 1852, using clay from the riverbank, the company started as a brickyard along the Fox River in Dundee, Illinois. It was great timing, as unfortunately, the disastrous Chicago Fire burned down tons of wooden buildings, making brick a hot commodity. A few decades of success in brick and building supplies later, it was actually David’s son, Edmund, that had the vision to turn the company toward ceramics. Edmund Haeger began with flowerpots and soon expanded the business to other home decors such as vases, bowls, kettles, and more. It was beautiful and affordable.
Haeger Potteries: The Design
From 1938-1944, a designer by the name of Royal Hickman launched Haeger Potteries into real popularity. His line of art-ware, “Royal Haeger”, was full of sleek designs and occasional art deco flair. Items from this mid-century era are definitely amongst my favorites. I absolutely love the black panther pieces, as I remember my aunt collecting them to match her black 80s lacquer tables.
The company was able to keep up with interior trends even after Royal’s departure, but eventually, a decline in the popularity of pottery as a whole became too much. Haeger Potteries then switched its focus to bakewares, even when just as the manufacturer under another brand’s name.
Haeger Potteries: The Legacy
Today, we and other fans of Haeger items exist. Unlike a time when ceramics weren’t a popular enough piece of decor anymore, we’re now searching for unique pottery for today’s greenery trends. I absolutely love the craftsmanship put into these pieces, from real crafters and designers in a U.S factory. For this reason, we’ll always love Haeger and consider every piece a collectible!
Our Haeger Pieces
Looking to learn more? Try these reads: Collecting Royal Haeger and Haeger Potteries Through The Years.
You Matter,
Lindsey
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