Louisville Stoneware
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Stoneware manufacturing |
| Founded | 1815 |
| Founder | Jacob Lewis |
| Headquarters | Louisville, Kentucky , United States |
Area served | Primarily Louisville and Kentucky; expanding to Chicago, Cincinnati, and Indianapolis |
Key people | Stephen A. Smith (owner since 2007) |
| Products | Stoneware pottery, bird baths, bird feeders, custom pieces |
Number of employees | Reduced significantly in 2007 (exact number not specified) |
| Website | www |
Stoneware & Co., previously identified as the J. B. Taylor Company and Louisville Stoneware until its acquisition in July 2007, is a stoneware manufacturer located in Louisville, Kentucky's Highlands district. Established in 1815, it ranks among the nation's longest-standing stoneware producers. The firm focuses on pottery adorned with motifs such as the Kentucky Derby, Christmas, Noah's Ark, Primrose, and Pear, along with custom-made pieces. Its offerings also extend to bird baths and feeders.
History
Originally founded in 1815 by Jacob Lewis under the name Lewis Pottery, the enterprise experienced several ownership transitions and operated under various titles including Bauer Pottery, Cherokee Pottery, and Louisville Pottery. In 1938, John B. Taylor purchased the company, renaming it the J. B. Taylor Company. Following Taylor’s passing in 1970, ceramics engineer John Robertson took over and rebranded it as Louisville Stoneware. Some classic designs like "Harvest" and "Vintage" continue to be produced today.
The company has created commissioned stoneware for corporate marketing campaigns, notably for the Kentucky Derby, Cracker Barrel Restaurants, and Kentucky Fried Chicken. Hand-painted patterns include Bachelor Button, Country Flowers, Hummingbirds, 12 Days of Christmas, and Noah's Ark. Decorative items encompass castles, birdhouses, and pet bowls.
Mary Alice Hadley notably worked under John B. Taylor before founding Hadley Pottery in 1939, which remains active and collectible.
In 1997, Christy Lee Brown acquired the business; during her leadership sales averaged approximately $3 million annually. Between 1997 and 2007, the company transitioned from a wholesale focus to primarily retail operations. By 2007, more than 90% of sales occurred within Louisville and Kentucky, with intentions to grow through online sales and new outlets in Chicago, Cincinnati, and Indianapolis.
In March 2007, Louisville Stoneware reduced its workforce significantly and reorganized its visitor center while launching a temporary store at Oxmoor Center in eastern Louisville. In July 2007, Stephen A. Smith of Two Stone Inc. purchased the company from Brown upon her retirement. Under Smith’s management, distribution expanded from a single retail location to multiple stores across Louisville, Bardstown, Owensboro, and Cincinnati.
Stephen A. Smith has retained ownership since 2007. The company offers factory tours by appointment with group discounts available.
Products
The clay utilized by the company is sourced from western Indiana, featuring deposits estimated to be up to 250 million years old. Its stoneware is crafted for multifunctional use—safe for ovens, microwave ovens, and dishwashers—and designed to retain heat to keep food warm.
Cultural references
Louisville Stoneware’s creations are part of collections at the Smithsonian Institution and have been presented at the White House, highlighting their cultural importance. During Queen Elizabeth II’s 2007 visit to Churchill Downs, she was gifted a Louisville Stoneware music box playing My Old Kentucky Home, presented by Kentucky's governor's spouse.
The company was significantly affected by the 1997 United Parcel Service strike, underscoring its dependence on logistical networks for distribution. In 2004, Louisville Stoneware hosted a campaign event for John Kerry focused on small-business healthcare insurance issues, reflecting its engagement within the small business sector.
See also
External links
- Tourist attractions in Louisville, Kentucky
- Stoneware
- Ceramics manufacturers of the United States
- Manufacturing companies based in Louisville, Kentucky
- Manufacturing companies established in 1815
- 1815 establishments in Kentucky
- American companies established in 1815
- Companies of the United States by year of establishment