Remembering Thomas Case Of Pisgah Forest Pottery By Rodney Leftwich
Thomas Case 1929-2014
From an early age Tom assisted his grandfather with all aspects of hte pottery business. Preparing clays, cutting wood for the large bottle kiln, mixing glazes, and shaping wares at the potters wheel were part of his activities.
During the early 1950s Tom Case and Grady Ledbetter became partners at Pisgah Forest. By their arrangement, Grady turned the majority of the pottery to which Tom added handles and spouts. Most of Stephen's traditional glazes were continued. To these Tom added a new yellow, speckled brown, and dark forest green. The usual pink interiors were replaced with white or yellow.
New forms created by Tom included candlesticks with twisted rope handles, cut out candle lanterns, and over0sized "mother-in-law" mugs. Functional wares were preferred and many vases, teapots, pitchers, sugar and cream sets, soup bowls, and mugs were produced. However, during hte 1950s, Tom also created art pottery decorated with square dancers and musicians.
Much credit is due Tom and his wife Dorothy Case. Without their assistance the book Nonconnah and Pisgah Forest - The Potteries of Walter B. Stephen could not have been written.
In addition to a lifetime of pottery making, Tom was active in his community. He also worked with Ecusta Paper and the Olin Corporation. He was one of the founding organizers of the Skyland Fire Department and was a former member of the Avery's Creek Lions Club. He was a member of the Skyland United Methodist Church, the West Asheville Masonic Lodge, and the Southern Highland Craft Guild where he was honored with a Lifetime Membership Award.
A man of great character and a true friend, may Tom be making pots in Heaven.
