Business Details
Handcrafted Art Pottery & Decorative Tiles Since 1899
Van Briggle Art Pottery has been a cornerstone of American art pottery since 1899, founded by the visionary artist Artus Van Briggle. Our legacy is rooted in the creation of exquisite handcrafted art pottery and decorative tiles, blending timeless elegance with innovative design. Over a century ago, Artus pioneered the revival of soft matte glazes inspired by ancient Chinese ceramics, a technique that remains central to our work today. Under the continued dedication of our artisans, we produce both historic and contemporary pieces that honor the original artistic vision of our founders. Our commitment to quality and craftsmanship has earned us a place in prestigious museums worldwide, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Smithsonian Institution.We offer exclusive limited-edition works through our Collector Society, ensuring our patrons can own a piece of living art history. Our Colorado Springs studio remains a hub of creativity, where tradition meets modern artistry in every piece we craft. The Van Briggle name represents not just a company, but a enduring artistic heritage that continues to evolve while staying true to its origins. We take pride in being part of the global art pottery tradition, providing collectors and enthusiasts with museum-quality pieces that transcend trends and time. This dedication to artistic excellence and historical preservation defines our identity and drives our future.
Services
Art Pottery
Decorative Tiles
Limited Editions
Collector Society
Custom Glazes
Museum-Quality Reproductions
Highlights and features
- We have been creating museum-quality art pottery since 1899, preserving historic techniques while innovating new designs.
- Our pieces are featured in permanent collections at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Smithsonian Institution.
- Exclusive limited-edition works available only through our Collector Society program.
- We maintain Artus Van Briggle's original matte glaze formulas developed over a century ago.
- Our Colorado Springs studio continues the Arts and Crafts movement tradition of handcrafted excellence.
What people say
Museum-quality craftsmanship
Timeless designs
Exclusive limited editions
Rich heritage
Beautiful matte glazes
Services
Art Pottery
Van Briggle creates handcrafted art pottery using original matte glaze formulas developed in 1901. Our pieces combine Art Nouveau influences with contemporary designs, maintaining the artistic vision of founders Artus and Anne Van Briggle. Each item undergoes meticulous craftsmanship in our Colorado Springs studio, ensuring museum-quality results that honor over a century of tradition while embracing modern innovation.
Decorative Tiles
We produce decorative field, trim, and accent tiles that showcase our signature matte glazes. These tiles incorporate natural motifs and classic Van Briggle designs, offering both historic reproductions and contemporary patterns. Each tile is crafted using traditional methods passed down through generations of artisans, ensuring architectural elements that blend timeless beauty with functional durability for residential and commercial spaces.
Collector Society
Our exclusive Collector Society offers annual limited-edition pieces designed by master sculptor Craig Stevenson. Members receive commemorative tiles, quarterly newsletters, and the official Van Briggle Dating Guide. This program preserves our heritage by connecting collectors with unique works that continue the artistic legacy established in 1899, while providing special access to new releases and studio events.
Custom Glazes
We maintain Artus Van Briggle's pioneering matte glaze techniques while developing new color variations. Our glaze specialists combine traditional mineral formulas with modern innovations to create finishes that enhance both historic and contemporary designs. This process preserves the soft satin texture that defined Van Briggle's original work while expanding the palette for new artistic expressions in ceramic artistry.
Museum-Quality Reproductions
Van Briggle recreates iconic designs from our 120+ year archive with exacting precision. These reproductions use original molds and glaze formulas to maintain authenticity while meeting modern quality standards. Our museum partners, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Smithsonian Institution, recognize these pieces as accurate representations of our historic collection, making them valuable additions for collectors and institutions.
People
Artus Van Briggle
Founder
Dutch-American artist who revolutionized ceramic glazes in 1901, creating the signature matte finish that defines Van Briggle pottery. His artistic vision established the company's enduring legacy in American art pottery.
Anne Van Briggle
Co-Founder
Artist and business leader who sustained the company after her husband's death, ensuring the survival of their artistic vision. Her dedication maintained the quality and integrity of Van Briggle pottery during its formative years.
Questions
What makes Van Briggle pottery unique?
Our signature soft matte glazes, developed in 1901, and Art Nouveau-inspired designs distinguish Van Briggle pottery. Each piece combines historic techniques with contemporary artistry in our Colorado Springs studio.
How can I join the Collector Society?
Join by paying a $55 first-year fee, which grants access to exclusive limited-edition pieces, newsletters, and the official Van Briggle Dating Guide. Subsequent years cost $45 annually.
Do you offer custom tile options?
We provide decorative tile options in our historic and contemporary designs. Visit our Colorado Springs showroom to explore available patterns and glaze combinations for custom installations.
Are Van Briggle pieces considered investments?
Many collectors view our pottery as valuable art investments. Pieces have been featured in major museum collections and maintain value due to our enduring reputation and limited production quantities.
How do you maintain historical accuracy?
We preserve original glaze formulas and production techniques while selectively introducing new designs that align with our artistic heritage, ensuring continuity with Artus Van Briggle's 1899 vision.
Where can I see Van Briggle pottery?
Visit our Colorado Springs studio and showroom, or view pieces in permanent collections at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Smithsonian Institution, and other major museums worldwide.
Reviews (2)
Sandy Smith
Sep 11, 2017
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Interesting tour and unique building near the Colorado College campus. One of VanBriggle's pieces is in the Smithsonian!
Scott Minten
Sep 14, 2015
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Unfortunately, the Van Briggle Studio at this location has closed due to the sale of the Van Briggle business. A great outdoor equipment recycler now occupies the famous location.
