Dryden Pottery’s History – 57 years in the making
Dryden Pottery in Ellsworth, Kansas

Dryden Pottery began in Ellsworth, Kansas, in 1946.

Alan James (Jimmy) Dryden had completed service in World War II and had finished schooling at Kansas University.

He chose Ellsworth, Kansas, as the site for his pottery, because the Geological Survey said that Kansas had the best volcanic ash and clay in the world.

He began making hundreds of different designs of pottery, and soon produced thousands of pieces of pottery everyday.  Pottery was made in molds, then glazed and decorated.  Dryden Pottery gained fame for its souvenirs and collectors' items.

Dryden Pottery remained in Ellsworth for 10 years until the advent of Interstate 70, with the accompanying drop in tourist traffic, which necessitated a move to Hot Springs, Arkansas.
 
On December 9, 1956, the first sale was made at the new location at 341 Whittington Avenue in Hot Springs National Park.

From 1956 until 1960, Dryden Pottery was largely cast in molds, then glazed and decorated.  In 1960 a potter was hired who threw pieces on the potter’s wheel. 

Nearby Malvern, Arkansas, supplies the fine white clay used at Dryden Pottery in Arkansas.

Three generations of Dryden potters work at Dryden Pottery today.

Alan James Dryden is the founder of Dryden Pottery and is the chief chemist.
Kimbo Dryden, a master potter, has been throwing pottery on the potter’s wheel for nearly 40 years.  When asked what he wanted for his epitaph, he thought for a moment, then said smiling, “He threw his life away.”
Zachary Dryden is the chief glazier at Dryden Pottery, producing a wide array of beautifully colored glazes.  He also creates fine art tiles, carved vases, and water fountains.
Cheyenne Dryden is the master potter's apprentice and has excelled in his throwing and also produces fine crystalline glazed pottery.
Arrow Dryden is a glass artist and often produces glass figures that grace the pottery.