One of the primary objectives of this Web site is to promote and direct folks to some of the often overlooked things that the state has to offer. In that spirit I would like to suggest what I feel is a very worthwhile thing to do on your next trip to “The Springs” (Colorado Springs). Everyone knows about the Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, Manitou Springs and the Broadmoor Hotel which are at, or near the top of nearly everyones “must do” list. We have visited and taken guests to all these and I remember that my wife nearly passed out from trying to run to the car at the top of Pikes Peak on our first visit.

Oh so many travelers go flying by one of The Springs oldest and most historical attractions while rushing to Pikes Peak or on to Cripple Creek (Cripple Creek is another story for another day) to pour some money down the hole but I do digress.

Just off I-25 and US 24 at 600 S. 21st Street is the Van Briggle Pottery. Van Briggle just happens to be the oldest Art Pottery in the country having been in continuous operation since 1901. Artus Van Briggle who had been an artist with the Rookwood Pottery left there for Colorado because of his failing health and in 1899 he and his wife Anna settled in Colorado Springs. Artus died in 1904 at the tender age of 35 but the impact his short life had on the Art Pottery movement in America cannot be overstated. After his death Anna took over operation of the company which she ran until 1912. Over the years the company has survived a tragic fire 1n 1919, a flood in 1935 and even a move from the original location when it appeared an Interstate highway would cut through the property not to mention numerous changes in ownership.

The pottery offers tours where one can view the whole pottery manufacturing process from throwing or molding, trimming, glazing right through firing. Van Briggle is only sold at the factory and by mail so this would be a great opportunity to purchase a piece of ceramic art for yourself or a gift. Van Briggle Pottery is very popular with todays collecting community.

For more information I recommend Van Briggle Information, Wikipedia; Van Briggle, Clement - A Van Briggle Original and of course the company site at www.VanBriggle.com.