BellCeramics.com
Title
The Bell Collection, LLC
Description
Located along the shores of Clermont's beautiful Lake Minneola in the heart of Central Florida, The Bell Collection, LLC is housed in a historically significant citrus packing house which has been converted into a manufacturing facility for Bell products.
In early 1946, Mildred Bell, an energetic mother of three small children, wanted to "expand her horizons" and took up painting. By 1947, she had created a thriving art school called, The Montclair School of Fine and Industrial Arts, devoted to everything from basic art lessons to costume design. Soon, ceramics worked its way into the curriculum, and the demand for classes mushroomed. Her husband Harry, a retailer at the time, soon recognized a need for ceramic supplies, not only for the art school, but for hobbyists nationwide.
In 1948, Mildred and Harry sold the art school and joined forces to create Bell Ceramics, Inc. That same year, Mildred wrote, Practical Ceramics. During the 1950s, Mildred developed and marketed many porcelain and ceramic products, including liquid glazes and self-contained starter kits for retailers. She also pioneered many porcelain educational techniques. The Bells then set up a retail store, selling products to ceramics studios and developing their own slips and original molds.
