ADCO
(Groninger Brick Factory ADCO; Groningen The Netherlands)
Founded in 1904, the factory went bankrupt
in 1976, so all pieces must date from '76 or earlier. The retro pieces
are not heavily collected right now, and are still fairly frequent at
flea markets in Holland. People still buy them to use as flower holders
and plant pots.
Flower
rings (late 60s - early 70s)
One orange and one purple, with well in centre to take a piece of Oasis
(green sponge) for flowers. Earthenware. The dutch word for such a dish
is bloemsteker. The purple one has some staining and white bloom
to the centre. Otherwise the pieces are undamaged. Earthenware. Value:
£3 (each)
Plant
pot (1952)
Nice ADCO piece with gloss black interior, and textured white matt exterior.
Earthenware. The mottled white paint overlies a cream background. Handpainted
abstract/organic motif to front and back. Stamp: ADCO, and a partly legible
number, possibly 2116...? There is one flake from the white paint on one
side. A gift from Peter Klinkhamer, whose parents bought it new when they
moved house in 1952 (and are therefore sure of the date).
Plant pot (1950s) Earthenware, with hand-painted overglaze decoration.
Honey glaze plant pot With geometric design. Earthenware. Mint, with very
fine crazing. Value: £2-3
3 plant pots In orange, red and green. Earthenware. Mint condition;
common. Value: £5 (set)
Hatched-pattern pots
in various pale shades
These are particularly common and pleasing ADCO styles. Earthenware. They
can be bought at Dutch flea markets for less than the cost of buying a
brand new modern pot at a garden centre. Other commonly-seen Dutch white
pots of this size and shape were made by a factory called ERICA.