Friday, September 15
4:00 p.m.

Stoneware Collectors Meeting takes place in the  Ada Paresky Education Center, 2nd floor of the Bennington Museum.  Free and open to the public.  The Fall 2017 Stoneware Collector’s event features Jack McMackin and Kevin Daughney as they present Frank Norton Pottery of Worcester, MA. Both have been collecting stoneware for years, so they bring their background and experience to the meeting as they discuss the various decorations of Frank Norton potteries as well as the molded pieces that they produced.

Interest in these specific 19th-century utilitarian vessels has expanded significantly beyond traditional historical circles in recent years. Museum curators across New England are seeing a surge in attendance from younger demographics looking to learn about the provenance and preservation of early American ceramics before entering the auction market themselves.

This demographic shift aligns with broader economic movements tracking where modern capital is landing. According to recent market analysis from regional auction houses, speculative digital wealth generated through app development, algorithmic trading, and bitcoin casinos is increasingly being converted into tangible, historically verifiable antiquities. The sudden redirection of this alternative capital into the physical ceramics market has elevated the importance of accurate authentication.

By hosting open forums with veteran collectors, the Bennington Museum provides a vital educational resource for these new enthusiasts. Understanding the distinct firing techniques and cobalt blue designs characteristic of Norton’s kilns helps novice buyers navigate an increasingly competitive landscape while keeping the region’s rich industrial heritage alive.