Robertson, a Scot, had followed family tradition when starting the pottery. He created a glaze unique to Dedham, but the crackle effect appeared after the first firing and decorating steps were complete. The pieces were air-dried before being stacked in the kiln for a second firing which lasted 24 hours. Employees then pulled each piece from the kiln, loaded it onto an open elevator, and transported it to the pottery's third-floor garret. As the still-warm glaze came in contact with the cool air in the elevator shaft, an audible crackling could be heard. Lampblack was then rubbed into the surface to enhance the crackle effect - thus turning a potential disaster into a unique and charming asset.
To launch the new line of pottery, a competition among the firm's decorators was held to choose the first border design. The crouching rabbit design was the winning animal, created by art student Alice Morse and her instructor, Joseph Lindon Smith, who received a $25 prize. The crouching rabbits became the company's most popular pattern. Four sizes of plates were sold, as well as bowls, mugs, cups and saucers, serving platters, pitchers, tureens, teapots, eggcups, goblets, even salt and pepper shakers. Other Dedham decorative borders featured chicks, butterflies, ducks, elephants, dolphins, mushrooms, clover, lilies, swans, turtles, and polar bears. Because each piece was hand-decorated, each rabbit or other animal varies according to the artist. In some cases, the rabbits face left, but in most cases they face right. Eventually the rabbit motif became the signature logo for Dedham pottery.
The pottery itself is heavy and casual in appearance. It was intended for everyday use, for families with children or sophisticated adults who enjoyed the simplicity of color and design. While it never attained the widespread popularity of Noritake or Lenox in American households of the early 20th century, nonetheless it found a niche not filled by any subsequent American dinnerware.
Reproduction Dedham pottery is being produced by both the Starr family in West Concord, MA (Harelooms), and by the Nashawaty family in Walpole, MA. They may be contacted at the Nash Pottery at 1-508-668-2457.
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