There is
no doubt Lanier Meaders became the most famous
folk potter in the United States. Born in 1917, Quillian Lanier
Meaders was the second son of Cheever
and Arie
Meaders. When Cheever became too sick to work in
the shop and passed away in 1967, Lanier took over the running
of the original pottery shop.
When the Smithsonian Institute came to film Cheever Meaders'
work, he was too ill to do much. Lanier stepped in and showed
them the old way of making pottery. Lanier is credited for keeping
the old way of making folk pottery alive. Most famous for his
face jugs, no two were ever alike. His face jugs and other pottery
are on display at the Smithsonian and are very sought after.
In 1978, he and his mother Arie were honored by the Library
of Congress with a Meaders Pottery Day. In 1987, Lanier was
given the prestigious Governor's Award for the Arts of Georgia.
He married
his longtime sweetheart, Betty Jean Lewis; the couple had no
children. Lanier’s dedication and achievements helped
make our family pottery business what it is today, and ensured
its continuation. Lanier passed in 1998, after a long battle
with cancer. He is buried at White Creek Baptist Church.
Lanier
Meaders
