The Van Briggle Pottery Factory is a Colorado Springs treasure

Van Briggle Memorial Pottery FactoryPhoto byAuthor

(Colorado Springs, CO) A surprise gem in Colorado Springs is the Van Briggle Memorial Pottery Factory.

Artus Van Briggle was originally from Ohio and began his career as a painter, hand-painting designs on pottery and painting portraits.

He studied art in Europe and was an accomplished artist when he arrived in Colorado Springs in 1899, hoping the dry, sunny climate would cure his tuberculosis.

In 1901, Artus founded Van Briggle Pottery in Colorado Springs, one of America’s most highly acclaimed pottery companies.

He perfected a beautiful matte-glaze pottery that would earn him numerous awards and accolades.

Tragically, in June of 1904, at the age of 35, Artus succumbed to tuberculosis.

His wife, Anne, continued his work and opened the Van Briggle Memorial Pottery Factory (1125 Glen Avenue) in 1908.

More than a century later, the building looks much like it did in the early 1900s. The red brick walls have decorative Van Briggle tiles and terra cotta ornaments.

The structure has five brick chimneys, two large brick smokestacks, decorative panels, and unexpected accents (a gargoyle and a cat statue).

The architectural gem was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2009.

Photo byAuthor

The old factory borders the demonstration garden at historic Monument Valley Park. A Lorelei Vase Sculpture is in the garden, a tribute to one of Artus Van Briggle’s most famous creations.

The building is now owned and operated by Colorado College.

To see more of this beautiful building, please watch my video.