ANNA MONICA

PHOTO: JOHNNIE BOUTWELL of Garyville shows off some items from her pottery collection. She insists her collection has nothing to do with money or value, but with her enjoyment of the pieces, time and history. The patterns are unique and the colors pleasingly pastel. (Photo by Anna Monica) As so many collectors do, Johnnie Boutwell bought whatever she saw at first. “You don’t know when you first start,” she says, “you just see something you like and you buy it.” Her first collectibles included pottery made by McCoy, Redwing and Haegar. That was, though, just before she discovered the now well-known and extremely popular Hull pottery of which she has a very fine, enviable collection. When this Garyville resident began to see Hull pottery in antique shops and flea markets she realized she really liked it. It was pricey even when she first started collecting, but she did buy her very first piece at a Goodwill for $1.25. Today, that piece, with a wildflower pattern made in 1946, has a market value of at least $125. Boutwell’s collection, which she estimates numbers from 75 to 100 pieces, is all vases, although Hull makes other pieces. She insists, though, that her collection has nothing to do with money or value, but with her enjoyment of the pieces, time and history. The patterns are unique and the colors pleasingly pastel. The late Addis Emmet Hull started as a salesman for Globe Stoneware and eventually bought Acme Pottery and continued making pottery. They had a fire and a flood in the 50’s and stopped making the pottery in the 70’s. Like many pieces of antiquity, since it is no longer made, Hull pottery has increased considerably in value although Boutwell believes the basic utility pieces may still be inexpensive. Boutwell began collecting in 1987 when she and husband, Gary, first moved to New Orleans from Start, about 13 miles east of Monroe. They live in Garyville now where their home is filled with different and unique antique pieces of furniture and an extensive collection of lovely antique dishes, many dating from the forties and early 50’s, prominently displayed. The Boutwell home is easily a history lesson for those interested in the old and the beautiful. Books on Hull pottery help Boutwell to keep informed about her collection and she has hopes of instilling a sense of appreciation for older, finer objects into their two grandchildren, Hailey and Christian, children of Gary II and wife Julie of Hammond. Hull pottery is popular among collectors and Boutwell is happy to speak about it and other antiques to others who are interested. Of all her beautiful and outstanding Hull pieces, Boutwell simply smiles broadly when asked what she would pick as her favorite piece. She goes to get it and proudly places it on the table. It’s the $1.25 vase.