Williamsburg Pottery Factory
The Pottery
It began as a small pottery, where James B.Maloney made saltglaze in the 18-th century manner, using clay from the nearby James River. He added china and glassware to his shed, buying at low prices so savings could be passed onto his customers who came in droves. He kept expanding to more homemade buildings with dirt floors, rough shelves, and newspaper wrapped purchases. The customers loved the informal atmosphere, his Irish line of chatter, the savings and went on to tell their friends.
He continued to expand, bought more land, and put in a parking lot. He liked the shape of the potter's wheel and built several round buildings. There never was an orderly plan of growth, nor was an architect consulted; buildings simply arose whenever and wherever they were needed.
The cheerful chaos attracted repeat customers, who threaded their way around strutting chickens and assorted dogs, and past vice-presidents unloading trucks. Now it's a bit different. Parking lots hold 8,000 vehicles and there are 32 buildings jam-packed with goods from the USA, the Orient, Mexico, the Caribbean Islands, South America, India and Europe.
The Williamsburg Pottery annually attracts close to five million visitors a year. From first-quality items to unbeatable closeouts, it's been called "the greatetst assemblage of kitsch in America" and customers love it.
The Williamsburg Pottery is a big surprise box, full of unexpected treats in a carnival atmosphere.
All major credit cards are accepted for purchases, as are personal checks with pictured identification.
Hours: 9:00 a.m. till 6:30 p.m. During the warmer months; 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. on weekends, and 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. in January and February. Closed on Christmas Day.
Contact Information
Located on Richmond Road (Route 60 West)
Phone: 757-564-3326
www.williamsburgpottery.com