Hadley Pottery
Continues In An Unbroken Tradition Of Excellence AUTHORED BY
THOMAS L. MARSHALL Mary Alice Hadley It was our pleasure and privilege recently to be able to explore the Hadley Pottery Company in Louisville, Kentucky. We spoke with the clay artists, examined the large cavernous rooms, handled original pieces made from Mary Alice Hadley's own hands and listened to recollections of individuals about the artistic imagination and energy of one talented lady.
1570 Story Avenue
Louisville, Kentucky
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So much to see inside |
The Hadley Pottery Company is not just a place of product, it is also a place of people whose link with the highly creative deceased founder remains strong. One wonders how, after Mary Alice Hadley's unfortunate early death at 54, the tradition of her excellent line continues unbroken. Could it be the passionate acceptance of the pottery which evokes a strong warm response from those who hold a plate in their hands, turn it, and marvel at the ageless scenes and the beautiful blue coloration's? Could it be because there are still several individuals who work at the Company who were hired by Mary Alice in the 1940's and whose memories remain crystal clear of their relationship with Mrs. Hadley? Or, could it be that the legacy passed down the line by Mary Alice & her husband George is so strong and so intact that change would tear the very heart out of Hadley Pottery?
PROFESSIONALS AT WORK 
Ready To Fire | 
Fired Pottery |
STRAWBERRIES | 
DOTS | 
WATERMELON |
Doris Johnson at 70 years
has worked in all but one department at Hadley
Based on the reminiscing and youthful beauty one can easily picture Doris appearing as a young girl at the Hadley Pottery Company with Mary Alice encouraging her to come to work for her. Moreover, today there are second and third generations of families whose mother or grandfather worked with Mrs. Hadley and whose love of their work encouraged the new generation to work at Hadley.
Sue Tole - Head Decorator Daughter of Doris Johnson
Flora Watkins Retired Head Decorator. Began work in 1947 "retired" 1995
The work space where the staff of Hadley Pottery produces their famous pottery line is also an art gallery of sorts made possible by Mary Alice and the wide-ranging pieces of her own art she placed throughout the three story structure. While the bulk of her individual pieces of art were given to Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Indiana by her now-deceased surviving husband and partner, George, there remains in the building several originals which give us an additional glimpse of Mrs. Hadley. One can envision Mary Alice painting these creations as she expressed her highly imaginative artistic spirit. The building is a treasure of her work.
Pottery is something from the earth and in the hands of talented individuals becomes something special. At Hadley the process continues unabated in a growing tradition of commitment and hands-on excellence. The Company sells to an active list of over 250 dealers across the United States. You may contact Hadley directly for a reseller in your area.
The Hadleys
Hadley Pottery Company
1570 Story Avenue
Louisville, KY
1.502.584.2171
1.866.584.2171 toll free
www.hadleypottery.com |
