Farrells both were interested in historical pottery. Today their emphasis is on pottery made in North Carolina in the 1700s and early 1800s. "We like pottery done before 1850," Farrell says, adding that in addition to individual sales the couple makes replicas for historical sites, museums and movie sets. She adds that while the shop's online business has provided ample cushioning to ride out the recession, there's still something magical about visiting the Seagrove area and
Westmoore Pottery, owned by Mary and David Farrell, crafted this glassware.
meeting the potters in person. "I like the face to face, I must admit," she says. "The way our shop is set up, people can watch us and talk to us. When someone is holding something up, we can tell them what it is and how it's used. I'd be very, very sorry if I had to go to totally Internet. When you're here in person, there's a lot you can learn."
And, luckily, people of all ages keep coming. "In North Carolina we're very lucky," Farrell says. "North Carolina is a state where people really appreciate handmade things much more than in a lot of other states."
WINTER 2010-2011 CELEBRATING TEN YEARS 2000-2010 BALLANTYNE MAGAZINE 91