Red Wing, MN – “It is indeed a sad time for Red Wing, the state of Minnesota and the pottery industry as a whole,” says Red Wing Collectors Society President Paul Wichert, in reaction to Red Wing Stoneware’s Aug. 26 announcement that it will shut down its industrial operations. 

The Red Wing Collectors Society commissioned Red Wing Stoneware to produce its annual Convention commemorative several times during the club’s history, which extends back to 1977. In fact, the RWCS once again commissioned Red Wing Stoneware to produce its commemorative in 2019.

“Our organization’s members were very happy with the quality of this year’s commemorative, which is a replica of a toy spittoon,” says RWCS Executive Director Stacy Wegner. “In addition, Red Wing Stoneware made our special commemoratives – 19 Red Wing Sewer Pipe salesman sample replicas awarded to the winners of drawings, silent auctions and displays.”

The club also commissioned Red Wing Stoneware to produce some fundraising versions of its commemorative. Along with the commemorative, they were a highlight of the event, which took place back in July. Red Wing Stoneware was also a valued sponsor of the RWCS Convention this year.

“We appreciated their support to expand the Convention program and activities for our members,” Wegner notes. “The RWCS Board and members are saddened to hear of the ceasing of production.”

“Red Wing Stoneware was a big part of the legacy of Red Wing’s iconic pottery industry,” Wichert adds. “Their commitment to keeping the pottery history alive in Red Wing through their unique products will be a loss to the community, as well as to collectors.”

The RWCS was founded in 1977 in Red Wing and there are more than 3,000 members worldwide. For more information or to become a member, call the RWCS business office at 651-388-4004, e-mail membership@redwingcollectors.org or log on to www.redwingcollectors.org. You can also join the RWCS on Facebook and follow it on Twitter at @RWCollectors. Annual membership in the Red Wing Collectors Society also costs $35 and includes five full-color newsletters mailed to your home throughout the year.