For the first time in its 133-year history, the Rookwood Pottery Co. has opened its own boutique to showcase its full line of art pieces. The Rookwood Pottery Company Store is located at 1209 Jackson St. in a historic building in the heart of Cincinnati’s Gateway Quarter, a thriving restaurant and entertainment district that has undergone a major revitalization. The store will sell all Rookwood Pottery art tile and pottery, as well as original pieces from its artists.

The shop is managed by Dorothy Hoffman and Sandrine Whitcomb, the former management team at Brooks Brothers in downtown Cincinnati. Hoffman served as store manager at Brooks Brothers for 19 years, while Whitcomb worked as the assistant manager. The pair joined Rookwood Pottery, assisting with its showroom displays and events, soon after the store’s closing early last year. In addition to Hoffman and Whitcomb, Rookwood artists will occasionally be on hand to answer questions and to host events.

“With Rookwood Pottery in full production, and with many of our customers asking for more convenient shopping hours, it makes sense to open the boutique,” Hoffman said. “We can offer a more traditional shopping experience within steps of great shops and restaurants, and this historic building highlights the beauty of the product.”

Until now, all Rookwood pieces were sold through third-party merchants, such as museum shops, other boutique gift shops, Rookwood’s studio at 1920 Race St., or on the company’s website. The 1,000-sq-ft store will carry thousands of Rookwood pieces, including its Rookwood Pottery stein and its re-released Shiri DragonVase by famed artist Kataro Shirayamadani. Rookwood architectural tile also will adorn the walls and areas of the floor within the shop.

The Rookwood Pottery Company Store will be open Tuesday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday through Saturday from
10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. The phone number is (513) 579-1209. 

 For additional details, visit www.rookwood.com.