Art· 1928· Ocean Springs

Shearwater Pottery

National Register of Historic Places

Peter Anderson founded Shearwater Pottery in 1928 on the family compound in Ocean Springs, with help from his parents. His brothers Walter Inglis Anderson and James McConnell Anderson became two of the pottery's most important designers. From that founding year to now, three generations of Andersons have hand-thrown pottery here using techniques Peter developed — art pottery, utilitarian ware, figurines, decorative tiles. Hurricane Katrina destroyed the workshop in 2005. Jason Stebly rebuilt and restored it. Pottery continues to be thrown by Peter's son James Anderson and James's son Peter Wade Anderson. Patricia Anderson Findeisen, Christopher Inglis Stebly, and Adele Anderson Lawton decorate pieces. Michael Anderson heads the Shearwater Annex. Marjorie Anderson Ashley is business manager. Nothing is mass-produced. Every piece is individually made and signed. The showroom on Shearwater Drive is the only retail outlet in the world for their work. The family compound is an NRHP-listed historic district. Follow Shearwater Drive to the end. Open Monday through Saturday.

Quick facts

·Founded in 1928 by Peter Anderson — brother of artist Walter Anderson.
·Three generations of Andersons have hand-thrown pottery here using techniques Peter developed.
·The family compound is an NRHP-listed historic district.
·The showroom on Shearwater Drive is the only retail outlet in the world for their work.
·Nothing is mass-produced. Every piece is individually made and signed.
·Open Mon–Sat. The showroom is on the family compound — follow Shearwater Drive to the end.