Anna Pottery, established by brothers Cornwall and Wallace Kirkpatrick in Anna, Illinois, between 1859 and 1896, represents a unique chapter in American folk art and ceramic history. Moving from Mound City and Washington, Pennsylvania, the Kirkpatrick brothers created a pottery that not only produced utilitarian stoneware but also whimsical and often satirical art pieces that reflected the social, economic, and political climate of their time. Their work, known for its eccentricity and humor, provides a glimpse into the late 19th-century American Midwest, capturing the rhythm of life through clay. The Kirkpatricks’ creations, including pig flasks and snake jugs, have become iconic examples of American folk art, celebrated for their intricate designs and insightful commentary. The pottery closed in 1896, marking the end of an era defined by innovative stoneware that blended art with social observation. You can find similar pottery traditions in Arts and Crafts Pottery, which captured a moment in time.
The Artistic Vision of the Kirkpatrick Brothers
The Kirkpatrick brothers extended ancient and historic European pottery traditions but infused them with their own unique talents and perspective, creating novel stoneware forms and decorations that reflected their time and place. While they produced utilitarian items like plates, pitchers, crocks, buckets, and roof tiles, it was their novelty wares that gained them lasting recognition. The brothers were particularly known for their pig flasks and snake jugs, which often served as containers for whiskey, gin, and other spirits, commenting on the perceived dangers of alcohol consumption. These pig flasks frequently featured road maps and railroads encrypted on their bodies, turning functional objects into detailed miniature landscapes. Their snake jugs, adorned with realistic writhing snakes, were equally bizarre and captivating, sometimes incorporating cobalt-blue decorations for added visual impact.
Beyond pigs and snakes, the Kirkpatricks incorporated a variety of other creatures into their work, including lizards, frogs, and spiders, using these figures to convey messages or simply for decorative effect. Their pieces often reflected economic conditions, social movements, and significant local, regional, and national events, showcasing the brothers’ awareness and engagement with the world around them. The Kirkpatrick brothers were not only potters but also social commentators, using their art to express their views on a range of issues, from temperance to politics. Cornwall Kirkpatrick was deeply involved in his community, serving as the first Mayor of Anna for multiple terms and participating in Masonic and Odd Fellow Lodges, further embedding their pottery within the local fabric.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Anna Pottery operated within a dynamic historical and cultural context, marked by the American Civil War, the rise of industrialization, and various social and political movements. The Kirkpatrick brothers’ work often reflected these influences, offering commentary on events such as the struggle of Black Americans for basic human rights and the costs of the Civil War. The brothers were known to be socially progressive and vocal about their views, using their pottery as a medium to express their opinions on contemporary issues. Their pieces provide valuable insights into the concerns and attitudes of the time, capturing the spirit of the late 19th century Midwest.
The Kirkpatrick brothers’ pottery played a role in the economic development of the region, contributing to the growth of Midwestern industries. In addition to stoneware and folk art, the pottery produced and sold kaolin fire clay. The Kirkpatricks exhibited their work at major events such as the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial and the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, gaining national recognition for their unique creations. Today, Anna Pottery pieces are held in museum collections and private collections, preserving their legacy as significant examples of American folk art. Pieces can be found at the History Museum St. Louis, Smithsonian collection of American ceramics and glass, and the New York Historical Society. In 2021, the Winterthur Museum acquired the “Liberty Monument” piece, further solidifying Anna Pottery’s place in American history. Learn about how pottery continues to play a role in archeology.
Legacy and Lasting Impact
The legacy of Anna Pottery endures through its distinctive contributions to American folk art and ceramic traditions. The Kirkpatrick brothers’ innovative approach to pottery-making, combined with their social commentary and artistic flair, set them apart from their contemporaries. Their pig flasks and snake jugs remain highly sought after by collectors and admired for their craftsmanship and wit. The complex interpretation necessary to understand the stoneware specialty products created by the Kirkpatrick brothers reveals the rhythm of life in Illinois during the late nineteenth century.
Anna Pottery’s influence extends to subsequent generations of artists who have been inspired by the Kirkpatricks’ creativity and willingness to push boundaries. The brothers’ work serves as a reminder of the power of art to reflect and comment on society, capturing the essence of a particular time and place. As visionaries who created masterpieces of American folk art, the Kirkpatricks are celebrated for their wild creations and their ability to transform utilitarian objects into works of art. The enduring appeal of Anna Pottery lies not only in its aesthetic qualities but also in its historical significance and cultural relevance, ensuring that the Kirkpatrick brothers’ legacy will continue to be appreciated for years to come. The value of their pieces continues to climb, with a “snake jug” selling at auction for $141,000 in 2018.
