Founder R. Guy Cowan was born in East Liverpool Ohio and schooled at the New York State School of Clay-Working and Ceramics (now Alfred University) with Charles Fergus “Daddy” Binns, the school’s director, commonly referred to as “The Father of American Studio Ceramics”.
In 1908 Cowan relocated to Cleveland, Ohio, and taught ceramics at East Technical High School while continuing his own ceramic work and experimentation. Guy opened his own studio in 1912 with assistance from the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce. The studio moved to Rocky River in 1920 and began commercial production in 1921.
Works of the Cowan Pottery Studio were distributed through national dealer outlets including Marshall Field of Chicago and Wanamaker’s of Philadelphia. During production years of 1921 to 1931, the studio continuously attempted to maintain a delicate balance between commercial lines required for financial stability and the art pottery needed for individual expression and personal satisfaction. The mid-twenties found the Studio achieving a perfect match of meeting artistic design and commercial needs with the emergence of the popular flower figurines and other art deco items.
Cowan Informal China was introduced at the height of production. Bookends, paperweights, and desk sets were also being contracted through the Wahl Pen Company. More limited editions and sculptures came on the scene in 1929. The public appreciated the extremely intricate designs but couldn’t afford to purchase in the numbers needed to sustain financial stability. Earlier in 1927, an inferior line of flower containers was introduced and, together with the higher priced limited editions and sculptures offered later on, contributed to rising financial problems.
Attempts to reorganize in 1929 failed and the company came into receivership in 1930. The studio was allowed to remain open through 1932 to liquidate materials. Some of the best examples of Cowan Pottery were produced during this period when artists were free to experiment and create unhindered from the pressures of commercial production.