Old Pottery

        It was the mid 1960's; we were living in Colorado Springs.

        That is where the Van Briggle Art Pottery originated, though in the '60s they were in their original location, I believe on Uinta on the east side of I-25. The place is now an historical landmark I understand. Then they were later and for many years in the old rail road round house at W Cimarron and 21^st St. I think now they may be at another newer location.

        But in those "middle years" of the business, our mother, Joyce, was fascinated by the story of its beginnings and by the mystique of the premises. We were all at one time or another, escorted by Mom on a tour of the business. It was on such an excursion that this small piece became one of Mother's prized possessions. It is called a Triple Cornucopia Blue Vase, an original design by the company, done in one of their glazes.  Supposedly ancient glazes which were originally rediscovered by the founder, Artis Van Briggle. 

       When Grandmother Ruth passed away last year much of the stuff that traveled with Dad through dozens of moves was still in the house. That included things that were either useful, valuable or precious to Joyce, his first wife, or Ruth his second.

       When we bought the "dime store" flowers we stuck them into the same green modeling clay that had been in the vase since the '60s.

       There is an interesting article on Wikipedia about the history of the company and the original glazes as well as the building.