User:Bjf3915/Hadley Pottery

Hadley Potteryis a pottery company located in Louisville, Kentucky. Founded in 1940 by M.A. (Mary Alice) Hadley, its mission is to produce a line of ware embodying true pottery craftsmanship, the creative genius of an artist and everyday utility. At that time, M.A. (Mary Alice) Hadley applied her artistic talents to the making of a custom set of dishes for a cruiser that the Hadleys had on the Ohio River. The pottery for the boat caused much favorable comment from all that saw it and led to many requests for similar pieces. The supplying of those early orders apparently gave wide circulation to the ware, because orders soon began to come in from all parts of the country.

Her pottery originals and paintings in watercolor and oil have been exhibited in New York, Boston, Los Angeles and other cities. The Hadley designs are unique in their originality and have been so well received as to be simulated by other pottery makers. All of the design were either created or suggested by Mary Alice Hadley and are painted free-hand on each piece. The reverse side of every piece of pottery bears the signature "M.A. Hadley".

The Hadley Pottery building was purchased by the Hadleys in October of 1944 as a birthday present for Mrs. Hadley. The building, which was built in 1848, has been home to a candle factory, a wool mill and a cordage mill. It was one of the first commercial buildings in Louisville to have electricity and fire sprinklers. Mrs. Hadley painted all of the murals on the walls in the building, and her original artwork is on display in the front windows of the sales room.

Mrs. Hadley worked at the pottery until her death in 1965. Mr. Hadley continued to run the pottery until 1979 when it was sold to the current owners. Mr. Hadley died in 1991.