Prized Pottery

Southern Living, Sep 2008

TO COLLECT

SEAGROVE, NORTH CAROLINA, IS A MODEST little town, about 40 miles north of Pinehurst, that has long been celebrated as a center for pottery. That's old news. Today's buzz is that the pieces created by the 90-plus potteries now operating are anything but old-fashioned. They range from functional to decorative and traditional to one of a kind. On a recent visit, we discovered plenty of pieces worth taking home. Among our favorites: the graceful Rebecca Pitcher finished in a unique red glaze, the signature of the Original Owens Pottery. At King's Pottery we picked up a classic berry bowl in blue and a sturdy, earth-colored pitcher with a textured, rustic look. The most unusual piece came from Phil Morgan Pottery. Phil himself has spent years perfecting the crystalline glazing technique, which lends the glass-smooth surface of his elegant pieces rare color, fascinating patterns, and an almost three-dimensional depth. To learn more about Seagrove, visit www. discoverseagrove.com.