See How it’s Made
Hadley Pottery is not only decorative and functional, it is extremely durable. The pottery receives its strength from a onetime firing cycle. Each piece is formed much like it was 60 years ago, using clay native to Kentucky and Indiana.
Decoration and single firing process
The decoration is hand painted directly on the green or unfired clay items. Items are then coated with a porcelain-like white glaze by dipping or spraying. The term “underglaze” is often associated with Hadley Pottery—meaning that the whimsical hand painted design is under the glaze, making the decoration permanent. The pottery is fired only one time. This single firing process produces ware with a maximum bond between the body, decoration, and the glaze.
When ware is produced by the alternate process of separate firings for the body, the glaze, and the decoration, as is the practice with most dinnerware, the decoration is often subject to abrasion and can be weakened by chemicals in cleaning solutions. This type of ware is likely to be prone to chipping.
The single firing process at approximately 2100 degree Fahrenheit results in a sturdy product, which is chip resistant, dishwasher, oven, and microwave safe. Proper care and handling will ensure Hadley can be used and enjoyed for many years. We recommend not using over direct flame or heat source and avoiding quick changes in temperature.
Unique glazes and “Hadley Blue”
All glazes are compounded and ground on the premises. “Hadley Blue” –our signature color, is vibrant due the combination of cobalt and various metal oxides. The high firing temperature and glazing requirements limit the range of colors but in turn create the ability to produce the highly durable Hadley product. All glazes are completely lead-free and cadmium-free.
See how it’s made
Tours of the factory are offered daily. It is best to call ahead, particularly in warm weather, as the heat from the kilns sometimes limits tours in very warm weather. During the tour at our historic location, you will see the process from raw clay to the final product for use in your home.
Clay is transported inside the factory, where impurities are naturally removed with water. Clay is compressed and converted into “cakes” which are large thick square slabs.
Plates are formed with the use of a large press which cuts through the cake to produce flattened curved shapes. Rounded items such as bowls and cups are either jiggered or cast on a potter’s wheel. Other items such as pitchers and figurines require unique molds.
Items are then air-dried, at which time they are called “green-ware.”
Artists hand paint Mary Alice Hadley designs on each piece before a white glaze is applied. Products are then carefully loaded in the kiln. The heating process takes 24 hours. An additional 24 hours is required for cooling.