The A. E. Hull Pottery Company began in 1905 as a developer of kitchenware. In 1918, the company added artware to its line including the production of tiles. Most collectors believe that the 1930’s and 1950’s yielded the best works from the company, including its best-known series, Little Red Riding Hood. In 1937, Hull began to produce “Old Spice” pottery containers for men. More than 11 million containers were produced.
As Hull Pottery grew, the company opened a showroom in New York, had offices in Detroit and Chicago, and established a warehouse in New Jersey. It became popular for its utilitarian pots in the brown color and grew into pastel colored artware with a matte finish and pieces for the floral industry.
In 1950, the factory was impacted by a flood and it burned down. However, Hull Pottery was so desirable that its customers continued to purchase items even while the factory was being rebuilt.
Beginning in the 1950’s after the fire, Hull began to produce glossy finished pieces, including Woodland, Flora, Parchment, Pine and several other lines. These pieces are very collectible today as are matte finished pieces.
During the 1960s, the Home ‘N Garden line was immensely popular, perhaps because it included bright colors in dinnerware. With much competition from overseas, the Hull Factory was shut down in 1987.