The Ceramic Shop was started by Philadelphia ceramic artist and educator Mark Lueders. As a teacher at University of Pennsylvania, Mark was a driving force in the introduction of ceramics into the university’s curriculum. Years later combined with his interest in ceramics and design, Mark invented the Hydro-Bat, the fast drying, durable bats used to make removing work from the wheel more efficient. In 2001 the Hydro-Bat business out grew its original location and moved to a larger facility in the Port Richmond section of Philadelphia. Wanting not only a venue for distributing his product, but to also fill the void for a much needed ceramic supply store in the Philadelphia area, The Ceramic Shop was born. What was started as a manufacturing house for Hydro-Bat and an online supply store, The Ceramic Shop has developed into a space where classes, workshops and studios are available as well as a huge selection of supplies. In stock are top brand names such as Amaco, Skutt, Shimpo, L&L, Kemper, Spectrum, Speedball, Laguna, Olympic and Paragon. There is also an assortment of high and low fire clay bodies, dry materials and chemicals.
In 2006 The Ceramic Shop acquired Roselli Pottery inc., the leading manufacture of kiln stilts, bead racks and specialty kiln furniture. Look for one of our new products like the Bead of Nails at your local pottery supplier. That same year our cone 6 electric line of professional dry glazes was launched and had been a huge success. Look for our low fire dipping glazes on our site, you will love them.
Today we operate out of a beautiful old factory style building which used to be a knitting mill. Visitors give rave reviews to our showroom which is open M-F 9-5 and Sat. 10-2. We pride ourselves on being knowledgeable and open to all questions.
The Ceramic Shop believes that by providing a state of the art studio space, making available high quality supplies and promoting ceramic education, that any artist, from the seasoned professional to the weekend hobbyist can attain their goals of reaching their full creative potential.
