Stoneware & Co’s classic Bachelor Button pottery

The newly updated Stoneware & Co. Homeplace sits in the same spot you remember taking a Stoneware tour or paint-your-own pottery session with out-of-town guests years ago. They produce the same beautiful, hand-painted pottery that’s been produced in Louisville for nearly 200 years under various names including Louisville Stoneware, Louisville Pottery, and John B. Taylor. In fact, it’s the oldest continually operating pottery company in America. After extensive renovations to both the Stoneware building and the surrounding area, recently reimagined as the Paristown Pointe arts district , you’ll find yourself saying “I don’t remember Stoneware being this cool.” With local art, ready-to-sell bourbon, and a sophisticated, updated take on the heritage pottery designs, the new Stoneware can only be described as a Kentucky artisan boutique.

Longtime Stoneware shoppers will note that the space has been completely turned around. The retail area is full of space and natural light that was sorely lacking in the previous configuration, and a portion of the old factory has been converted into an airy dining space occupied by The Café. It’s a lovely place to grab lunch and shop! On pretty days, you can even dine al fresco at the courtyard adjacent to Old Forester’s Paristown Hall performance venue.

Back in 2013, I blogged about a visit to Stoneware for a tour; this post contains some photos of the space at that time. The section shown in this photo is now part of The Café.

The new Stoneware Homeplace also provides an enhanced shopping experience. In addition to the iconic Stoneware pottery, guests can purchase local folk art, bourbon, plants, and more!

The absolute cutest little nook is the Love Shack, where couples can select their wedding registry pieces. Even if you choose the iconic and time-tested Bachelor Button pattern (my pattern and, oddly enough, the Eisenhower White House’s everyday pattern!), the fun decor and modern, sophisticated pottery design ensure that it’s certainly not your grandmother’s wedding registry!

The Stoneware Homeplace promises to roll out even more improvements in upcoming months, as construction wraps up on the new kitchen area. Factory tours and paint your own pottery sessions are expected to resume later this year as well. The Stoneware Homeplace is located at 731 Brent Street in Louisville. Retail hours are Monday – Saturday 10 am – 5 pm, Sunday Noon – 5 pm.