Style Spotlight: One Tall Order for Pottery’s Ailing Chimney

Pewabic Pottery’s chimney is in need of repair. Credit: Mario Lopez

Since the early 20th century, the 49-foot-high chimney has towered over the Tudor Revival structure that houses the historic Pewabic Pottery. The Detroit pottery, whose building is now a National Historic Landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places, is famous for its iridescent glazes and was at the forefront of the American Arts & Crafts Movement. Its artistic founder, Mary Chase Perry Stratton, is an honoree of the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame.

Traditionally, the pottery produced vessels, tiles, architectural ornamentation and jewelry. Today, it includes education, exhibition, museum, and design and fabrication programs. It conducts classes, workshops, lectures, internships and residency opportunities. In addition to fabricating tiles for all uses, including pieces for commemorative occasions, the pottery also makes garden ornaments and reproductions of its historic designs.

But now the chimney that has been so important to all the pottery’s work is threatened. Concrete and tiles are loose and falling off, and the historic chimney needs a compete restoration. There is also damage to the roof. Pottery artists are creating the tiles, but Pewabic needs help with restoration costs. The Save Our Chimney Drive hopes to raise $125,000. If you want to help—no donation is too small—visit www.pewabic.org.