H. Wilson & Co.
Two-Gallon Jar

MakerAmerican, c. 1869–1884
CultureAmerican
Titles
  • Two-Gallon Jar
Datec. 1869–1884
Made inTexas, United States
MediumSalt-glazed stoneware
Dimensions10 5/8 × 8 1/4 in. diameter (27 × 21 cm)
Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, gift of William J. Hill
Object numberB.2012.65
Current Location
Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
Texas Alcove And Hall
Exposé

Explore Further

Department
Bayou Bend
Object Type
Description

In 1869, John M. Wilson sold his interest in the Guadalupe Pottery to his partner, Marion J. Durham. This sale may have prompted the establishment of a new pottery by men formerly enslaved by John M. Wilson. Hyrum Wilson (1836–1884), James Wilson (1847–1917), Wallace Wilson (born c. 1845), Andrew Wilson (dates unknown), and George Wilson (dates unknown) founded the firm that would be known as H. Wilson & Company. Hyrum, James, and Wallace became the principals of the new enterprise, one of the first African American owned businesses in Texas, which operated until 1884. Breaking from the southern tradition of using alkaline glazes, H. Wilson & Company appears to have used only salt glazing for its wares, a technique thought to have been introduced by Ohio native Isaac Suttles.

This two-gallon jar bears a capacity mark on one side and the impressed name of H. Wilson & Co. on the other. Makers’ marks on Texas pottery, once relatively rare, became more common during the years following the Civil War.


ProvenanceDr. Georgeanna Herman Greer (1922–1992); Estate of Dr. Georgeanna Herman Greer; consigned to [Harmer Rooke Galleries, New York, November 18, 1992, lot 752]; ...; [John St. Clair, Austin]; purchased byWilliam J. Hill (1934–2018), Houston, 2004; given to MFAH, 2012.
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks
Impressed below rim: H. Wilson & Co.
Impressed below rim: 2
Written over white paint, on bottom: TGW2-16 [Object ID, Georgeanna Greer Collection]
Printed sticker [removed by conservation]: HARMER ROOKE / GALLERIES / 753 / NEW YORK CITY / SALE:
Printed sticker [removed by conservation]: 753

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

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Two-Gallon Jar
H. Wilson & Co.
c. 1869–1884
Salt-glazed stoneware
B.2012.62
Five-Gallon Jar
H. Wilson & Co.
c. 1869–1884
Salt-glazed stoneware
B.93.1
Three-Gallon Jar
H. Wilson & Co.
c. 1869–1884
Salt-glazed stoneware
B.2001.14
Six-Gallon Jar
H. Wilson & Co.
c. 1869–1884
Salt-glazed stoneware
B.2001.12
Five-Gallon Jar
H. Wilson & Co.
c. 1869–1884
Salt-glazed stoneware
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Seven-Gallon Jar
H. Wilson & Co.
c. 1869–1884
Salt-glazed stoneware
B.2001.11
Two-Gallon Jug
H. Wilson & Co.
c. 1869–1884
Salt-glazed stoneware
B.2001.15
Five-Gallon Churn
H. Wilson & Co.
c. 1869–1884
Salt-glazed stoneware
B.2001.10
Three-Gallon Churn
H. Wilson & Co.
c. 1869–1884
Salt-glazed stoneware
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Jar with Lid
H. Wilson & Co.
c. 1869–1884
Salt-glazed stoneware with slip interior
B.2012.145.A,.B
Jar
H. Wilson & Co.
c. 1869–1884
Salt-glazed stoneware
B.2001.17
Jar with Lid
H. Wilson & Co.
c. 1869–1884
Salt-glazed stoneware
B.2012.63.A,.B