CALIFORNIA POTTERY INDEX - VINTAGE CALIFORNIA POTTERY, DINNERWARE, CERAMICS, FIGURINES - INCLUDING WILLIAM MANKER POTTERY

William Manker Pottery

William Manker, fresh out of design school, began his ceramics career with Batchelder-Wilson Tile Company in 1926. In 1932 he opened his own Pasadena studio and quickly attracted a following. As the business prospered larger facilities were found in 1935 at Padua Hills, producing beautiful vases, bowls, ashtrays, lamp bases and florist items.
William Manker Ceramics were easily recognizable by their distinctive glazes. Usually Manker would begin with a base color, over which was blended a contrasting color. In addition another color would be employed on the inside of a piece.
Like many California potters, rising imports and labor costs in the late fifties adversely affected the business and William Manker Pottery production ceased.

William Manker Pottery