"Douglas Ferguson and his wife Ruth founded Pigeon Forge Pottery in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee in 1946. They organized their business so the pottery produced there would be high quality. At one point they employed 12 potters who would cast, glaze and fire stock items.
In addition, they understood the importance of good publicity and having a retail outlet. Ruth ran their shop. Red clay found near the pottery was used to make thrown or slip cast wares finished with matte glazes and slip decoration. The production includes animal figurines as well a full line of functional wares. Douglas Ferguson who threw much of the functional work retired in 1998. Ruth Ferguson remained until 1999. The pottery closed in 2000.
Pigeon Forge Pottery Owls, signed by Douglas Ferguson
From my dusty files,
"Douglas Ferguson and his wife Ruth founded Pigeon Forge Pottery in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee in 1946. They organized their business so the pottery produced there would be high quality. At one point they employed 12 potters who would cast, glaze and fire stock items.
In addition, they understood the importance of good publicity and having a retail outlet. Ruth ran their shop. Red clay found near the pottery was used to make thrown or slip cast wares finished with matte glazes and slip decoration. The production includes animal figurines as well a full line of functional wares. Douglas Ferguson who threw much of the functional work retired in 1998. Ruth Ferguson remained until 1999. The pottery closed in 2000.
Here is a link for you regarding sales for their pottery's output
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/2164721_63-pigeon-forge-d-fergusonā¦
Center for Craft Southern Highland Craft Guild
Center for Craft Center For Craft
Typical Marks
1950-1970
1955
1976
ca 1980
Bowl
Date: 1950-1970
Materials: Stoneware
Method: Thrown
Surface Technique: Glaze
Photo: TMPPhoto: TMPPhoto: TMP
Bowl
Date: 1955
Materials: Stoneware
Method: Thrown
Surface Technique: Glaze
Southern Highland Craft Guild CollectionPhoto: Southern Highland Craft Guild
Southern Highland Craft Guild Collection
Photo: Southern Highland Craft GuildPhoto: Southern Highland Craft Guild
Bud Vase
Date: 1976
Materials: Stoneware
Method: Thrown
Surface Technique: Crystalline Glaze
Photo: TMPPhoto: TMPPhoto: TMP
Group of Three Owls
Date: ca 1980
Form: Sculpture
Materials: Stoneware
Method: Slip Cast, Hand Built
Surface Technique: Glaze
E. John Bullard Collection
E. John Bullard Collection
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Citation: Jeffrey Kuratnick. "The Marks Project." Last modified