William Henry Grueby (1867-1925). Outstanding U. S. art potter. He began at the J. and J. G. Low Art Tile Works, Chelsea, MA, and then went briefly into partnership with Eugene R. Atwood, making tiles and other architectural decorations. He set out on his own in 1894, forming the Grueby Faience Company, Boston, producing tiles and placques in a variety of styles. But in 1898 he began to produce the wares for which he is best known--vases of boldly sculptural form decorated with matt glazes with very subtle textures and colors. In 1899 the company's name was changed to the Grueby Pottery. The factory was never financially prosperous and went bankrupt in 1908.