The Work Shop and Laborers

The Work Shop and Laborers. Historic Yorktown. Although only the remains of the large kiln are visible today, the remnants of a large workshop, where most of the potting took place, were discovered in the excavations. This building is made up of three connected structures, 17 feet wide and more than 170 feet long., The industrial level at which Rogers operated his pottery suggests work was structured similar to an assembly line. At least a dozen craftsmen and laborers would have been involved in the production of a single pot, from digging up raw clay to loading the wares onto a cart or ship. There may have been workstations for preparing raw clay, throwing vessel forms, making and applying handles, and lathe trimming forms. Next, the wares were dried and decorated, the glazes prepared, and the kiln fired. Finally, finished pieces were sorted and packed for transport., Rogers's work force included indentured servants and slaves. Convicts procured from the British penal system, a common practice, were also employed. Master potters with multinational skills may have been employed. The brown stonewares made on site equaled the finest products produced in contemporary London kilns, and many of Rogers's products resembled wares made in Germany and Holland. Future research may provide specific information on the workforce., (captions) , The extensive workshops are evidence of the large production capability of the factory., Potters' wheels have changed little, if any, over the decades. Rogers's wheels were probably similar to this. Courtesy of the Collection of Robert Hunter