The Pottery of James Rhodes

The master potter James Rhodes is an especially notable Trenton craftsman whose existence has come to light through recent archaeological discoveries. His distinctive stoneware products, among them these molded faces that were applied to pitchers, were first noted at the pottery of William Richards on the riverbank in Lamberton, where a kiln was found during the construction of the Route 29 tunnel. This pottery was in operation from the early 1770s until at least 1778. In the latter year, Rhodes set up his own pottery on a lot immediately adjacent to the Waln dwelling (later the Eagle Tavern) on the road leading out of Trenton to Bordentown. Here, Rhodes produced similar stoneware, and more molded faces, until his death in 1784. A kiln was also excavated at this site during recent restoration of the Eagle Tavern.

[credit: Hunter Research, Inc.]