The Story of Maine Pottery Co
The Story of Maine Pottery Co | Edgecomb MEA Legacy of Passion
and Resilience
Our Story
In 1974, Chris and Richard Hilton left Massachusetts for a new adventure in Maine. Chris, an art teacher at MassArt with a passion for ceramics, and Richard, a real estate agent with a budding interest in pottery, decided to turn their love for art into a livelihood.
During a road trip, they stumbled upon an old 1882 schoolhouse nestled in Edgecomb, Maine. Despite its lack of running water or heat, they saw potential in its walls and made it their home and studio. Life was simple and challenging—they showered at a YMCA 20 minutes away and worked tirelessly, making pottery and selling it roadside.
Their breakthrough came when they were invited to join Boston’s iconic Faneuil Hall, a renowned art market. Richard quickly made a name for himself—though not without some initial bumps. His booming personality and boisterous sales style, which included loudly ringing a bell after every sale, annoyed many of the other vendors at first. But his passion and warmth were magnetic, drawing crowds and creating a buzz around his pottery. By the next year, the same vendors who had found him too loud were eager to set up near “the pottery guy,” knowing his energy brought people in droves.
Over time, Richard and Chris expanded their studio in Edgecomb, adding a gallery and eventually transforming it into one of the largest art galleries in America. They continued to grow, opening a beautiful store in Portland that showcases their handcrafted pottery and the work of other talented artisans.
Tragedy struck in 2011 when Richard passed away from early-onset dementia and Alzheimer’s. In 2019, Chris faced a life-threatening battle with bacterial meningitis, spending two weeks in a coma and emerging with life-altering disabilities. Despite these hardships, the spirit of Maine Pottery Co. endured.
Today, their son Brad Hilton manages the company with the help of a devoted team, many of whom have been with the company for decades. Donna, the second employee ever hired, and Gary, who joined shortly after, have a combined 80 years of experience. Rachel, a former apprentice under Richard, is now the glaze master and has been with the company for over 30 years. Mikey has been a part of the team for 25 years, and the list goes on. These employees are more than a team—they are family, raising Brad alongside their work and carrying forward the Hilton legacy.
Maine Pottery Co. is built on a foundation of resilience, community, and artistry. We are more than a pottery company; we are a family with a passion for creating beautiful, handcrafted pieces that bring joy to people’s everyday lives. From our roots in a tiny schoolhouse to nearly 50 years of craftsmanship, every piece of pottery we create tells a story—of hard work, of love, and of Maine.