Pottery on Prince Edward Island: 2012

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Pottery Marks of Prince Edward Island - Pieter Ijsselstein - White Gables at Hope River & Birchtree Gallery

Pieter Ijsselstein produced a line of items that incorporated his flock of hens in the decorating process. The video of his flock at work tells the story of Hen Pecked Pottery. The hens are no longer part of the operation as Pieter's pottery has evolved.

Operating an art and craft studio in Hope River, PEI with his wife Geraldine, a painter and weaver - the combined family efforts operated under the name White Gables at Hope River.

In 2018 his potter's mark included the first two initials of his surname ij as well as PEI.

In 2022 they moved to Victoria-by-the-Sea where they reside and operate a gallery studio, Birchtree Gallery. Their Facebook page provides additional information.

Pieter Ijsselstein at Farm Days in the City, 2018 Charlottetown, PEI

Potter's Mark of Pieter Ijsselstein, 2018

The Prince Edward Island Pottery, 1880-1898

Three milk jugs by the Prince Edward Island Pottery (1880-1898)

Items from the original Prince Edward Island Pottery, a company that operated from 1880-1898 remain a collectible form of historic pottery both in PEI and beyond. While there has never been a book published on the topic, solid research has been conducted on the 18 year history of the business and the site of the operation was excavated by Donald Webster of the Royal Ontario Museum in 1970. The operation was located on what is now the Charlottetown Research Station (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada) near the Charlottetown Farmers Market. A line of trees remains at the edge of a field marking what has been long known as Pottery Lane. Webster's article published on the research is now available online. His abstract introduces the topic.

The Prince Edward Island Pottery was established by Oswald Hornsby on the outskirts of Charlottetown in early 1880 and, following its closing in 1898, all structures and buildings were demolished in 1903. During its 18 year operation the pottery produced the greatest range of earthenware forms yet established to any Maritime's pottery, and the only known marked wares. The site of the Prince Edward Island Pottery was excavated by Donald Webster of the Royal Ontario Museum in 1970, in conjunction with historical research and a survey of its surviving products.

There is also an valuable article on the Prince Edward Island Pottery called Red in the Soil, by Catherine G. Hennessey, which was published in the PEI Centenary Issue of the Canadian Collector magazine in 1973. A book by Hennessey released in 2015 tells the story in concise form. The book was reviewed by The Guardian the year it was published.

Catherine Hennessey holds one of the pieces that first piqued her curiosity in pottery 50 years ago. The Charlottetown historian has just published the Prince Edward island Pottery Company.

©GUARDIAN PHOTO BY SALLY COLE

Pottery mark of the Prince Edward Island Pottery

From collection of Catherine Hennessey

Pottery Lane on Charlottetown Research Station.

Image courtesy of Aubrey Bell - Gallery18

On Sept 16, 2012 Gallery 18 conducted a live auction and listed the following item.

35: “Pei Pottery” Earthenware Cup C1890 (Unsigned)

Sold forC$520

Sep 16, 2012

LOT 0035

Image courtesy of Aubrey Bell - Gallery18

From the collection of Tom Banks

The Prince Edward Island Museum & Heritage Foundation has an excellent collection of pottery from the The Prince Edward Island Pottery Co. and has compiled an excellent online article on the company. A large portion of their collection has been donated by Dr. Norman Hubbard which includes 40 items that are all marked as PEI Pottery. The collection is available through the PEI M&HF Flickr site.

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Pottery Marks of Prince Edward Island - Joyce Champion, Kensington

Joyce Champion operated a pottery in her home studio on Chestnut St. in Kensington, PEI from the 1970s to 1990s. She used her sunporch as a shop area but after she relocated to a retirement home her house was sold in the summer of 2012.

Four different examples have been located of her potters mark. In three she used a variation of her name or initials in a free hand style on the bottom rim or within the bottom are using - Joyce Champion, PEI or djc PEI, Joyce PEI. The fourth is a mark using a block of printers type with the words JOYCE CHAMPION.

She tended to work in stoneware and was skilled at throwing large vases and working a variety of clay bodies.

Gary Carroll, a Charlottetown collector and researcher has provided copies of her business card.

In 2015 Joyce died. Her obituary indicates:

Champion, Dianna "Joyce"

At the Wedgewood Manor, Summerside, on Monday, January 12, 2015, of Dianna "Joyce" (Heeschen) Champion, formerly of Kensington, aged 87 years. Born in Charlottetown on February 3, 1927, daughter and the last surviving member of the late Christian and Lulu (MacNevin) Heeschen family. Wife of the late W. Ben Champion. Stepmother of Lew and Mary, Summerside, and Gary Champion, British Columbia. Step-grandmother of Leah Champion (Dion Thibideau). Step-great-grandmother of Josie, Fort St. John, BC. Sister-in-law of Joan Heeschen, Summerside. Aunt to special niece and caregiver Vicki Heeschen, Summerside, and a number of other nieces and nephews. Pre-deceased by brothers Eric and Blair Heeschen. Resting at the Davison Funeral Home, Kensington. A public graveside service will be held in Kensington People's Cemetery on Monday, July 6, at 10:30 a.m. If so desired contributions may be made to Cat Action Team.

Champion, Dianna "Joyce"

www.davisonfh.com

Monday, February 13, 2012

Pottery Marks of Prince Edward Island - The Dunes - Peter Jansons & Joel Mills

The Dunes Studio Gallery in Brackley Beach, Prince Edward Island, features the work of two potters, Peter Jansons and Joel Mills.

Peter Jansons, the owner, is a second generation potter. He is a Toronto-born Canadian of Latvian descent who began his pottery career in his mother’s studio. He graduated from Sheridan School of Design and taught at Western Tech in Toronto before coming to the Island in 1978. He is the creative force behind The Dunes Studio Gallery and Café which is a spectacular space designed by Peter's architect father and surrounded by impressive gardens.

Peter’s long-time associate, Joel Mills, is an Island native and ceramics graduate of Holland College School of Visual Art. In addition to his work as potter at The Dunes, Joel teaches a pottery classes at the P.E.I. Potters’ Studio Co-op in Victoria Park, Charlottetown and is an avid sailor and cyclist.

Studio work has historically been signed in the form "Dunes PEI", "The Dunes" and "The Dunes - PEI" as well Peter signs some of his work "Jansons PEI".

Lidded Jar by Peter Jansons, PEI - Signed "Jansons PEI" Collection of Catherine Hennessey - photo by Ian Scott

Handcarved vase with Japanese kenzan, by The Dunes, PEI -- signature "Dunes PEI

Handcarved vase with Japanese kenzan, by The Dunes, PEI -- signature "Dunes PEI"

Wall Vase by The Dunes, 1990 PEI - Collection of Catherine Hennessey - photo by Ian Scott

Wall Vase by The Dunes, 1990 PEI - Signature "The Dunes PEI" Collection of Catherine Hennessey - photo by Ian Scott

In 2019 Peter Jansons and Joel Mills remain the two main potters at the Dunes, but others have worked there including Eve Llyndorah (formerly Eve Burden) who continues to make some pottery when she visits PEI annually.

The Dunes website credits Eve's role earlier in the development of the studio:

"Eve Llyndorah was born in Scotland and came to Canada when she was a child. She graduated from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design and has continued to work as a jewelry designer and goldsmith in Canada and Europe. Eve was a key member of the original team of potters that was the early eighties at The Dunes. She currently resides on the Island of Llyndorah in British Columbia where she creates, with the assistance of her partner Ray Lipovsky, the stunning pieces of one-of-a-kind jewelry that are available in the Gallery. Eve has been an associate of the gallery since its inception, and The Dunes continues to be the main outlet for exhibiting her work."

A video interview with Peter is a good introduction to The Dunes. As well an article by The Guardian tells of how the business has evolved over time.

Friday, January 27, 2012

Pottery Marks of Prince Edward Island - Clay Impressions Pottery Studio - Ellen Burge

Clay Impressions Pottery Studio is home for Ellen Burge, when she isn't operating her booth at the Charlottetown Farmers' Market. Her website indicates:

If you are interested in purchasing my pottery please email me.

Ellen Burge

(902) 676-3296

clay_impressions@pei.sympatico.ca

Ellen's studio mark includes a PEI stamp as well as a mark that resembles a house.

Pottery by Ellen Burge -- photo by Joe Martell
From the collection of Joe Martell & Rick Smith

Her website indicates:

"Welcome to Clay Impressions Pottery Studio. Located near the north shore of Prince Edward Island, Clay Impressions is nestled between woods, farmland, and the amazingly picturesque maritime shore.

Although relatively new to the east coast pottery scene, I found my passion for clay back in the 1980's. On a whim, I attended a course at a local potters' studio.

It was not long before I left computer programming behind and embarked on my life’s true journey.
I began making pottery professionally around 1989. The transition process was an organic development as I joined the local guild of potters, then dived headlong into intensive courses at St. Lawrence College, as well as attending workshops presented by world renowned potters who visited our area.

As a member of potters guilds and the PEI Crafts Council, I find the sharing of tips and advice among the many different artists an essential element and benefit of the craft.

After two decades, I still feel a thrill in transforming soft clay into finished pots. Creating pottery is a very real connection to nature and to art. Each time I walk outside, my eye is drawn to the beauty in nature or the architecture of buildings and I am inspired to design new work with an emphasis on form and texture.

I believe a pot should be a joy to hold and feel, not just to be seen.

Ellen Burge"

Pottery by Ellen Burge -- photo by Joe Martell
From the collection of Joe Martell & Rick Smith

Pottery Marks of Prince Edward Island - Pottery By The Sea - Kerry Kingston

Pottery By The Sea was established by Kerry Kingston 1996 in Victoria-by-the-Sea, PEI. The retail shop was inside her home for 5 years and then in 2001 she began construction of a new shop, for production and retail only. This new shop and studio is located in North Rustico.

Previous to her current business Kerry operated Mud Puddle Pottery.

Kerry signs her work with her initials KK and includes PEI on her work.

A 2012 picture taken in her studio/shop with Island potters Anne Coneen and Daphne Large is a warm memory of her happy presence in the PEI crafts community.

In 2012 three PEI potters gathered at Pottery by the Sea -
Kerry Kingston's studio and shop in North Rustico. L-R, Kerry, Daphne Large, Anne Coneen.

An article posted on her studio Facebook page in 2018 indicates

Pottery by the Sea

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Kerry Kingston has been making pottery on Prince Edward Island since 1978.  She attended Douglas College in British Columbia in the early 1970's under Fred Owens.  Kerry She now lives and works in North Rustico, with her shop/studio on the property.  With the Island for inspiration she hand paints floral as well as landscape designs on porcelain in under glaze techniques.  Her line of red stoneware is decorated in bas relief and applique.  All work is dishwasher, micro-wave safe, and meant to be used everyday.

Kerry has been a member of the PEI Crafts Council for 37 years.  She is also in Artisanpei as well as a member of TAIPEI.

I first started out on this crazy adventure in the interior of B.C., making pottery under Mountain Fire in Mara Lake.  In 1977 I moved to PEI with my kickwheel in the back of a 1954 international pickup truck. I participated in my first PEI craft fair in the summer of 78 and didn't look back.  I opened a craft shop with the new pottery name of Mud Puddle Pottery with my partner...........when that ended I moved to Victoria by the Sea and opened a pottery shop in my home under (at last) Pottery by the Sea.   Kept the name and in 2001 moved to North Rustico with my new partner (husband).  He started building the shop/studio through the winter of that year.  By the spring we were ready and open with a beautiful space for my work and a place for me to work. We love this location and only if the weather was warmer in the winter, it's ideal for us. 

It also included a link to a video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GW5T24VSmGs

After a successful career in pottery Kerry Kingston  retired and closed her business at the same time she was dealing with health issues. She died on November 23, 2020. Her obituary contains additional details.

Published The Guardian: November 26, 2020 - Charlottetown, PEI

Kerry Kingston

KINGSTON, Kerry Linda (nee Pfefferle) It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing, surrounded by family, of our beloved Kerry, age 69, of North Rustico, on Monday, November 23, 2020 at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Charlottetown. Kerry will be forever remembered as an incredible wife, loving mother, doting grandmother and treasured sister and friend. She is survived by husband, Brian Kingston; children, Devin Krauskopf (Jessica), Amber Krauskopf, Sam Kingston (Yali Huang) and Georgia Alyward (Jeff); and grandchildren, Carter, Jude and Ruben. She is also survived by sisters, Tammy Kettlewell (Roger) and Priscilla Atkins (Doug deceased); and brothers and sisters-in-law, Mark Kingston Jr. (Rose), Paula Kingston(Al Cook deceased), Drew Kingston (Michelle McCabe), Martha Kingston (Steven Penny) and Stephen Kingston (Michelle Bouey). Kerry is also survived by her mother-in-law, Marion Hurst Kingston; and by numerous aunts, uncles, nephews and nieces. Kerry was predeceased by parents, Charlie and Ruth Pfefferle; and her father-in-law, Mark Kingston. By personal request there will be no visitation or funeral. A celebration of Kerry's life will be announced and held once Covid restrictions are eased. If so desired, memorial donations in Kerry’s memory may be made to the P.E.I. Humane Society. Online condolences may be sent at www.peifuneralcoops.com or by sending an email to cqfuneral@gmail.com Arrangements have been entrusted to Central Queen’s Funeral Home, New Glasgow.

Pottery Marks of Prince Edward Island - Hawkins Pottery - Patti Hawkins

Patti Hawkins of Hawkins Pottery, North Granville began her career as a potter working at Village Pottery in New London. After opening her own studio nearby in North Granville she signing her work with a combined PH for her initials as well as PEI in her mark (when she worked on Prince Edward Island).

As well on some work she has used a name signature;

The Hawkins Pottery studio was located at 43 Rattenbury Road (Rte 254), North Granville, PEI

Patti relocated to Nova Scotia. Her studio Facebook page indicates the following contact information:

Hawkins Pottery

Hammonds Plains, NS, Canada, Nova Scotia

(902) 303-0396

hawkinsrickpatti@gmail.com

Work of Hawkins Pottery -- Facebook Nov 2022

Work of Hawkins Pottery -- Facebook Oct 2022

Pottery on Prince Edward Island