Hull-House Kilns was a commercial enterprise that created hand-made dinnerware and decorative ceramics. It was known for is Mexican inspired colors, specifically an orange-red glaze.[1][2]
Hull-House Kilns was established as part of the Chicago settlement house, Hull House. The program was developed by the potter Myrtle Merritt French (1886-1970).[3] She began teaching pottery at Hull House in 1924. The classes were first attended by Mexican immigrants in Chicago, and then by African Americans.[1] A notable potter working at Hull-House Kilns was Jesús Torres.[4]
By 1927 the enterprise began producing pottery commercially.[5] The workshop was located in the Boys’ Club Building of the settlement house.[6] The pottery was sold through the Hull House store on Michigan Avenue in Chicago, and through Macy's department store in New York City.[1] Hull-House pottery can be considered a precursor to Fiesta dinnerware.[6] In 1937 Hull-House Kilns closed. It was unable to remain viable during the Great Depression and the rise of larger commercial pottery operations.[1]
