HAMELNER POTTERY--DELIUS FAMILY

The pottery was founded by Gertrud Kraut in 1919. Kraut was responsible for the artistic direction. About 1922 a new hallmark stamp was introduced; it was in the shape of a stylized rat, with the letters H.T. (Hamenner Topferei). In 1925, Kraut retired and Klaus and Hildegard Delius took over management. The form and glaze approach was changed. At this point Hamelner Pottery became often referred to as "Delius Pottery". Most of the shapes were designed by Hildegard and produced by Klaus. After the death of Klaus, Hildegard took over management. Son, Peter Delius began working at the pottery in 1953 and in 1955 management was passed down to sons Nikolaus and Peter. Production was ceased in 1966 due to rising costs.

(Incidentally, Hameln is the town that celebrates the famed legend of The Pied Piper).

The blue pot pictured was acquired by me several years ago and it has taken until now to identify the maker. It is 12 inches high and 7 1/2 inches wide, slightly flattened at the top to make the opening ovoid. It is very well made of brown clay; hand thrown and glazed a variegated matte blue. The glaze indicates the piece is likely from the 1940's (or perhaps early 50's). The piece is marked, though only partially visible beneath the glaze along with a shape number 75. I was unable to get the marks to show in a photograph, but I am including a hand drawn facsimile of the "rat" mark.





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