Basin 1849 - 1858

This lead-glazed earthenware basin was made by Lyman, Fenton & Co., a pottery firm operating in Bennington, Vermont, around the mid-19th century. While it may appear humble, this basin reflects significant shifts in American industry and aesthetics. Bennington was a hub for potteries, driven by the availability of clay and the burgeoning transportation networks. Factories mass-produced ceramics for a growing middle class, eager to display their newfound prosperity. The colorful, mottled glaze – known as "Rockingham" – was hugely popular, seen as a modern and attractive alternative to plain wares. However, this very mass production raised concerns. Critics worried about the loss of traditional craftsmanship and the potential for "vulgar" tastes. This basin, therefore, sits at the intersection of industrial progress and anxieties about cultural identity in a rapidly changing America. Delving into the company records of Lyman, Fenton & Co., as well as period publications on taste and design, helps us understand the complex social and economic forces that shaped even the simplest of objects.