Edgefield County is known for its extraordinary contributions to American stoneware pottery. A combination of necessary natural resources, slave labor, and good fortune helped put Edgefield on the map, and its unique history has been recreated with the help of Old Edgefield Pottery and its resident historian and potter, Stephen Ferrell.
An impressive display of jugs, pots, vases, and jars at the Terry Ferrell Museum in downtown Edgefield provides a small glimpse into the skill attributed to Edgefield District potters. Vessels were made in all shapes and sizes, but definite themes emerge when viewed together: earth-tones, alkaline glazes, ovoid shapes, swag and loop embellishments, and looped or lug handles.
Read about Edgefield Pottery in the October 2008 issue of SCIway News.
Justin & Ivy Loved your visit in costume yesterday at Talking Turkey Studio. Great to meet other artists. Any public photos of the peacock pottery? Send some brochures / business cards so we may give them to visitors from S.C. Blessings!
I have just started researching my Drake family and would like to talk with some of the locals. My 4th great grandfather, Eason Drake, was born in Edgefield about 1766. All the elders have passed on except for my father who would like to know the answers to his family’s history. Is there someone who would be willing to answer questions for me? I appreciate any help you can provide.
Hello Angela, we recommend reaching out to the Edgefield County Historical Society for the best help. Here is their contact information: http://www.historicedgefield.com/id14.html. Good luck on your search!
Hey, I spoke with Tonya at the “Dave” celebration. Our discussion involved the possible location of the items that were donated to the Edgefield Historical Society from me, that are missing. She indicated that she is investigating this, please keep me informed. Furthermore wanted to check on getting a piece of pottery repaired.
What are your hours and your contact info?
They are open on Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm.
To whom could I turn to for appraisal of Southern pottery?
I emailed you last week regarding some Edgefield pottery that is in my mother’s estate. I need to have it appraised. Can you help?
John Wilson
Hi, John. There is a link to the Edgefield Pottery Facebook page at the top of the map. Hopefully, you can reach someone there. Best of luck!
Re: Edgefield
Hi! I am interested in viewing some pottery created by Dave. My son and I recently came across a children’s book about him and his pottery and we are going to be in South Carolina next month. I thought it would be a neat stop on the way to Myrtle Beach. Do you have Dave’s pottery on display for visitors? Thank you!
Living in the harmony district of Edgefield County, completing both pottery programs at Piedmont Tech. It is so great to be part of such important pottery history. Justin Guy, a previous contributor to this comment sheet, is now the Master Potter of the Old Edgefield Pottery assuring the history of Edgefield Pottery to continue. Thanks, Justin!
Both Stephen Ferrell (with his skill and wealth of knowledge) and the Piedmont Pottery are well worth visiting. I enjoyed both. Each creates unique and varied pieces. Just regret I don’t have easy access to participate in the Tech program.
Hey Jeanette,
If you happen to be in the Edgefield area, the Piedmont Pottery Program on main street offers many different classes on everything from decorative pottery to tool making. If you are too far away however I might suggest an excellent book by Jo Connell called “The Potter’s Guide to Ceramic Surfaces.” There are enough ideas in there to keep you creating for a while. Best of luck!
Hey, I am a stay at home mom that likes to do pottery. I did some work in college but want to start at my home. I am looking for some ideas to get started. Do you have any suggestion?
Hi Jeanette! SCIWAY visited Old Edgefield Pottery in October 2008 (see our article about Edgefield Pottery) and it was a wonderful experience. Dave has a lot of insight and information to share, so you could try visiting him at his shop in Edgefield. Maybe another SCIWAY visitor will be able to provide more ideas!