McDonald, Ann Gilbert

Ann Gilbert McDonald is an antiques dealer and writer; most of her articles appear in publications covering antiques. She received a B.A. degree from Nazareth College of Rochester, an M. A. degree from Cornell University, and a Ph.D. from George Washington University. She has taught literature on the college level. Dr. McDonald is a member of the National League of American Penwomen and the Northern Virginia Antique Arts Association. She is married and has one son.

The Weller Pottery was founded in Fultonham, Ohio, in 1872 by Samuel Augustus Weller. As business expanded, Weller moved production to Zanesville. He began by making utilitarian wares, such as flower pots, milk pans, cuspidors, and crocks, but added more decorative wares to his line and experimented with new glazes and decorations. In the 1890s, Weller Pottery was especially noted for being able to create very large jardinières. Around 1905, Weller claimed to be the largest pottery in the world. Although the business responded to changes in tastes and in economic conditions, increased foreign competition, especially after World War II, contributed to its closing in 1948.