Edwin Bennett

Who was Edwin Bennett?

Edwin Bennett, born in Newhall, Derbyshire, was an English American pioneer of the pottery industry and art in the United States, and founder of the Edwin Bennett Pottery Company of Baltimore, Maryland. Producing a variety of wares from the everyday to the fine and artistic, his company, founded in the 1850s, continued in operation until forced to close during the Great Depression in 1936. Examples of Edwin Bennett pottery may be found in museums across the United States, including the Smithsonian, and Maryland Historical Society, as well as in private collections.

Arriving in 1841, he became a citizen of the United States in 1848. Among the original styles Edwin Bennett's company is known for are the "Brubensul" and "Albion" wares. He was among the English introducers of Majolica to the United States, and also produced notable Rockingham-style ware, including the famous "Rebekah at the Well" teapot, modeled by Charles Coxon following Bennett's inspiration. It became the best and longest selling Rockingham ware pattern in history. Bennett was also responsible for the design of the popular infuser-style "McCormick teapot".