Boyd Robert Hilton was born in Catawba County, North Carolina, in 1949 and raised in the Blackburn community, center of the Catawba Valley pottery area.  He was influenced by the rich history of his family and also his community.

The  Hilton Family wheel in Blackburn, NC, continues to turn and outstanding pottery is being produced.   Pottery produced now is marked "B.R. Hilton" while pottery produced prior to his return in 2003 to the family home is marked "B.R. Hilton, Walnut Cove, NC."

Bob continues the traditions of excellence in pottery making that began after his great-grand-uncle, John Wesley Helton's (1846-1923) return from the Civil War.  Son of famed Catawba Valley potter Boyd Shuford Hilton, 1916-1985,  Bob's  pottery is reflective of his past but guided with his own direction in style, shape, and color.

Bob refers to himself as a studio potter rather than a traditionalist potter.  He produces bowls, plates, pitchers, cookie jars, canisters and to the delight of collectors, face jugs.  Swirl and dogwood pieces are occasionally produced in appreciation of his Hilton artware heritage.  Bob's own style has evolved over the years.  His work is characterized by a blue edge that "feathers out" blending into the base glaze instead of a distinct hard line.  This trait takes various diversions including, but not limited to green and green edge drippy.   His father produced blue edge ware with a translucent glaze that was distinctive with the blue rim decoration cascading down the pots; hence the term "blue edge drippy."

Bob and his father enjoyed doing shows together in the late 1970's and until the untimely death of his father in 1985. Bob has returned to his roots and continues working on the wheel made so famous by his father.   Bob continues the tradition of pottery making passed from father to son.  BR Hilton's pottery is very distinctive and beautiful.  Time on his father's wheel is indeed time well spent.

                                          Home    Biography      Gallery     Kiln Openings     Shows     Directions   Boyd Hilton     Family Pottery     The Shop