H. Wilson & Co.
Jug

MakerAmerican, c. 1869–1884
CultureAmerican
Titles
  • Jug
Datec. 1869–1884
Made inTexas, United States
MediumSalt-glazed stoneware
Dimensions11 1/4 × 6 1/2 in. diameter (28.6 × 16.5 cm)
Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, gift of William J. Hill
Object numberB.2012.64
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.

Jugs of various sizes held liquors, vinegar, oil, medicine, water, and other essential liquids in the southern household. As with large stoneware jars, their forms evolved from bulbous in the antebellum era to cylindrical by the end of the century—the result of increasing efficiencies in production and loading the kiln. Makers’ marks also become more common after the Civil War, as rising competition inspired some producers to advertise their pottery.


Provenance[Jon St. Clair, Austin]; purchased by William J. Hill (1934–2018), Houston, 2006; given to MFAH, 2012.
Exhibition History"Houston Collects: African American Art," The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, July 31–October 26, 2008.

"A Texas Legacy: Selections from the William J. Hill Collection," Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, October 2, 2016–January 2, 2017.
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks
Stamped on side: H. Wilson & CO.

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

If you have questions about this work of art or the MFAH Online Collection please contact us.

Jug
H. Wilson & Co.
c. 1869–1884
Salt-glazed stoneware
B.2001.16
Two-Gallon Jug
H. Wilson & Co.
c. 1869–1884
Salt-glazed stoneware
B.2001.15
Jar with Lid
H. Wilson & Co.
c. 1869–1884
Salt-glazed stoneware with slip interior
B.2012.145.A,.B
Five-Gallon Jar
H. Wilson & Co.
c. 1869–1884
Salt-glazed stoneware
B.93.1
Jar
H. Wilson & Co.
c. 1869–1884
Salt-glazed stoneware
B.2001.17
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
B.2001.13
Five-Gallon Churn
H. Wilson & Co.
c. 1869–1884
Salt-glazed stoneware
B.2001.10
Seven-Gallon Jar
H. Wilson & Co.
c. 1869–1884
Salt-glazed stoneware
B.2001.11
Jar with Lid
H. Wilson & Co.
c. 1869–1884
Salt-glazed stoneware
B.2012.63.A,.B
Jar
H. Wilson & Co.
c. 1869–1884
Salt-glazed stoneware with slip interior
B.2012.67