
Grueby is a name synonymous with the American Arts & Crafts Movement and a marker of exceptional quality.
Grueby Faience Company was established in 1894 by William Henry Grueby. A great admirer of the matte glazes of French pottery and the refined simplicity of Japanese ceramics, Grueby founded his company with the intent of creating works of ceramic art that folded these two influences into a singular design philosophy that was wholly American. The bulk of Grueby’s creations were works of art pottery, though the company was also highly regarded for their production of some of the best architectural tiles in America.
The aesthetic of Grueby pottery has been described as ‘organic naturalism’ and can be identified by two defining characteristics: form and glaze. Most Grueby pottery features vegetal shaped forms, often bulbous and gourd-like, adorned with stylized foliate designs that were either placed above or carved into the vessel’s surface. The majority of these pieces were glazed in a matte cucumber green that would come to be the company’s hallmark. Other Grueby glazes exist, including light blue, soft yellow, and a handful of other earthen hues, though none of these are as quintessentially “Grueby” as the deep woods green seen on most of the manufacturer’s pieces.
Grueby pottery and tiles enjoyed great popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and were sold in fine design shops from Paris to New York City. Grueby even landed a partnership with Tiffany Studios, producing lamp bases for the renowned lighting and glass manufacturer. Before long, Grueby became a victim of its own success, inciting mass-market competition that led the company to declare bankruptcy in 1909. Grueby emerged from bankruptcy but was shut down shortly after due to a fire in their manufacturing wing. Grueby was able to rebuild, but the weight of tragedy had begun to take its toll. The company closed its doors for the last time in 1920.
In the modern secondary art market, pottery and architectural tiles by Grueby are highly collectible and sought after. Innovative in design, delightful in form, and steeped in history, Grueby pottery and tiles are true American treasures.
Upcoming Lots Grueby Faience Company

122 Eva Russell for Grueby Faience Company
Two-color vase with cinquefoils
estimate: $2,500–3,500

124 Wilhelmina Post for Grueby Faience Company
Early vase
estimate: $1,500–2,500
Auction Results Grueby Faience Company

Grueby Faience Company
Rare and Exceptional vase with calla lilies
estimate: $15,000–20,000
result $107,100

Addison LeBoutillier for Grueby Faience Company
The Pines tiles, set of two
estimate: $20,000–30,000
result $81,250

Russell Crook for Grueby Faience Company
Rare and Large tile with elephants
estimate: $9,000–14,000
result $50,000

Ruth Erickson for Grueby Faience Company
Rare Two-color Floor Vase
estimate: $40,000–60,000
result $40,625

Grueby Faience Company
Rare and exceptional five-tile frieze of an ox-drawn cart
estimate: $40,000–50,000
result $40,625

Grueby Faience Company
Rare and Early bi-color gourd vase with leaves
estimate: $30,000–40,000
result $40,000

Addison LeBoutillier for Grueby Faience Company
The Pines tile
estimate: $20,000–30,000
result $40,000

Ruth Erickson for Grueby Faience Company
Rare and Exceptional floor vase
estimate: $30,000–40,000
result $35,000

George P. Kendrick for Grueby Faience Company
Rare Large Vase
estimate: $30,000–40,000
result $31,250

Grueby Faience Company
Rare and Large circular tile with moths
estimate: $7,000–10,000
result $28,600

George P. Kendrick for Grueby Faience Company
Rare vase, model 34
estimate: $25,000–35,000
result $27,720

Ruth Erickson for Grueby Faience Company
Rare multicolor vase with daffodils
estimate: $10,000–15,000
result $25,000

Grueby Faience Company
Rare and Exceptional vase with irises
estimate: $10,000–15,000
result $23,940

Marie Seaman for Grueby Faience Company
Rare vase with cinquefoils
estimate: $7,000–9,000
result $23,750

Gertrude Stanwood for Grueby Faience Company
Rare three-color vase with cinquefoils
estimate: $10,000–15,000
result $23,750